Next-generation Subsea Infrastructure

- Overview

Undersea infrastructure refers to equipment and technology placed on or anchored to the ocean floor. This infrastructure includes cables for telecommunication, cables for power transmission, and other stationary equipment for scientific research.

The submarine cable industry has been installing infrastructure on the seafloor since the first submarine telegraph line was laid between England and France in 1851. There are two main types of cables: those used for telecommunications and those used to transmit energy. Submarine telecommunications cables carry 97% to 99% of international communications from the United States. 

In the future, offshore wind facility developments will require connections to shore via one or more cables, depending on the size and location of the facility. Cable interconnections between individual wind turbines and one or more electric service platforms will also be made within the footprint of the wind facility.

- Next-generation Subsea Infrastructure

Next-generation subsea infrastructure refers to advanced underwater technology and equipment designed to significantly improve the capacity, reliability, and efficiency of subsea operations, often incorporating features like high-bandwidth communication cables, autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced data management systems, and improved energy production capabilities, allowing for more efficient and extensive underwater operations, particularly in areas like oil and gas extraction, telecommunications, and scientific research.

A prime example is Meta's "Project Waterworth" which aims to build a large-scale, high-capacity subsea cable network spanning multiple continents to enhance global connectivity. 

Key features of next-generation subsea infrastructure:

• Increased bandwidth: Subsea cables with significantly higher data transmission capacity to meet growing demands for internet traffic.
• Advanced automation: Utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for inspection, maintenance, and data collection, minimizing human intervention.
• Integrated monitoring systems: Real-time monitoring of subsea infrastructure health and performance using sophisticated sensors and data analytics.
• Electrification: Switching from hydraulic power to electric systems for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
• Modular design: Flexible subsea systems that can be easily adapted to different field conditions and future upgrades.

- The Roles of Ocean engineering and UMVs in Next-generation Subsea Infrastructure

Ocean engineering and Unmanned Marine Vehicles (UMVs) are revolutionizing next-gen subsea infrastructure by enabling autonomous survey, inspection, and maintenance of deep-sea assets, reducing costs, enhancing safety, and increasing efficiency for telecom, energy, and research, with advancements in AI, long-endurance AUVs/ROVs, hybrid systems, and swarming tech driving this transformation towards greater autonomy and capability for complex underwater tasks. 

1. Key Roles of UMVs in Next-Gen Subsea Infrastructure: 

• Inspection & Monitoring: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) conduct detailed surveys and real-time health monitoring of undersea cables, pipelines, and platforms.
• Data Collection: Equipped with advanced sensors, UMVs gather bathymetric, geological, and environmental data for scientific research and resource management.
• Maintenance & Intervention: Robots perform light intervention tasks, like sensor deployment or repairs, minimizing costly human dives.
• Security & Defense: UMVs support naval operations, mine countermeasures, and seabed surveillance, with potential for both defensive and offensive roles.

2. Technological Advancements:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Onboard AI enables smarter navigation, data processing, and autonomous decision-making for complex missions.
• Long Endurance & Power: Innovations like hydrogen fuel cells and solar power extend mission duration and range.
• Hybrid Systems: Platforms combining surface and underwater capabilities (e.g., solar/sail/submersible) offer versatile, long-duration operations.
• Swarming & Collaboration: Groups of UMVs work together for broader coverage and enhanced data gathering.
• Advanced Materials & Propulsion: Stealthier designs and efficient thrusters improve performance in challenging environments.

3. Impact on Subsea Infrastructure: 

• Telecom: UMVs ensure the integrity of vast fiber optic cable networks, crucial for global connectivity.
• Energy: They support offshore oil & gas exploration, installation, and maintenance of subsea energy assets.
• Scientific Research: Facilitate deep-sea exploration and climate monitoring.

4. Challenges & Future Directions: 

• Cost & Accessibility: Decreasing costs are broadening adoption, but advanced capabilities remain specialized.
• Regulation & Security: The proliferation of powerful UMVs raises concerns about maritime security and the need for international guidelines.
• Data Management: Handling vast amounts of underwater data requires sophisticated analytics and communication.

- The Next-gen Subsea Infrastructure in Electronic Warfare (EW)

Next-gen subsea infrastructure in electronic warfare (EW) focuses on autonomous systems (UUVs/AUVs), seabed networks, AI/ML, and advanced communications (fiber optics/acoustic) to create distributed, resilient sensing/strike networks for persistent ISR, threat detection, and information dominance, moving beyond traditional platforms to secure critical underwater infrastructure and counter adversaries in the complex, contested undersea domain. 

In essence, the future of undersea EW involves creating intelligent, self-healing, and distributed underwater networks, leveraging autonomy and AI to dominate the complex maritime domain.

Key components include seabed nodes, UUV data mules, and networked sensors for continuous monitoring and rapid response. 

1. Key Technologies & Concepts: 

• Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs/AUVs): The backbone, capable of autonomous launch/recovery, long-duration missions, stealth, and data collection.
• Seabed Infrastructure: Fixed or deployable seabed nodes (like Forward Deployed Energy & Communications Outposts) act as charging/data hubs for UUVs, extending their operational range.
• Distributed Networks: Connecting UUVs, seabed sensors, and surface/subsurface platforms for a cohesive, resilient undersea picture (Undersea Distributed Networked Systems - UDNS).
• AI & Machine Learning: Powers autonomous navigation, sensor interpretation, and adaptive decision-making for UUVs and networks.
• Advanced Communications: New fiber optics, acoustic modems, and "data mule" UUVs enable secure, high-bandwidth data transfer from the deep sea to shore.
• Electronic Warfare Systems: Integrated systems (like AN/BLQ-10) provide automatic detection, classification, and identification of radar and communications signals.

2. Strategic Importance:

• Persistent Surveillance: Enables continuous monitoring of adversaries and critical infrastructure (cables, energy assets).
• Enhanced ISR: Improves intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested underwater environments.
• Information Dominance: Creates a real-time, interconnected picture of the undersea battlespace.
• Securing Critical Infrastructure: Protects undersea cables and energy networks from threats.

3. Future Trends: 

• Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming: Integrating UUVs with crewed submarines for enhanced capabilities.
• AUKUS Initiatives: Collaboration on maritime autonomy and EW solutions to gain operational advantage.
• Seabed Warfare: Focus on protecting and exploiting the ocean floor as a strategic domain.