The UNDERSEC Project: Safety in Maritime and Underwater Operations to Ensure Smooth and Secure Transport of Goods and People In/Out of EU Ports

Maritime security is of utmost importance, as it is essential not only for the smooth transport of cargo and passengers in and out of EU ports but also for the protection of critical maritime infrastructure along coasts and rivers. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that ships, maritime infrastructures, and the entire marine ecosystem are adequately protected against potential illegal activities by also enhancing underwater security, thereby guaranteeing safe navigation and the integrity of infrastructures.

The need for a comprehensive underwater security concept that combines advanced technologies and interdisciplinary expertise to improve situational awareness and responsiveness is therefore clear.

To meet this need, the UNDERSEC project officially began its activities on October 1, 2023, with a multinational and interdisciplinary team of maritime and underwater security experts. The project team includes researchers, academics, technology specialists, and end-users from coast guards, border control authorities, and port authorities.

The overarching goal of the project is to deter illegal activities and ensure the safety of maritime traffic and critical coastal facilities through a prototype system composed of multimodal sensors and robots for underwater security of ships, ports, and maritime infrastructures, along with situational awareness, decision-support tools, and corresponding response capabilities.