The rise of geopolitical tensions and the increasing sophistication of illicit activities in the maritime domain have made port security more crucial than ever before.
In response to these growing challenges, Spanish technology company Indra has launched an ambitious European project aimed at enhancing maritime and underwater security.
Named the Smart Maritime and Underwater Guardian (SMAUG) project, this 6-million-euro ($6.26-million) initiative combines state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence, sonar systems, and unmanned underwater vehicles, to safeguard critical ports, coastal areas, and maritime boundaries.
The SMAUG Project: A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security
The SMAUG project is a bold step towards advancing maritime security by providing comprehensive surveillance capabilities for ports and adjacent coastal regions.
The project, which is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, is being led by Indra in collaboration with 22 partners from seven European countries: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Spain.
These partners range from universities and research centers to public authorities, law enforcement agencies, coast guards, and private companies.
The core of the SMAUG system is Indra’s iSIM solution, a sophisticated tool designed to integrate and analyze data from various security systems. This solution allows for seamless communication and data-sharing between different technologies, enhancing the effectiveness of the project’s security measures.
The rise of geopolitical tensions and the increasing sophistication of illicit activities in the maritime domain have made port security more crucial than ever before.
In response to these growing challenges, Spanish technology company Indra has launched an ambitious European project aimed at enhancing maritime and underwater security.
Named the Smart Maritime and Underwater Guardian (SMAUG) project, this 6-million-euro ($6.26-million) initiative combines state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence, sonar systems, and unmanned underwater vehicles, to safeguard critical ports, coastal areas, and maritime boundaries.
The SMAUG Project: A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security
The SMAUG project is a bold step towards advancing maritime security by providing comprehensive surveillance capabilities for ports and adjacent coastal regions.
The project, which is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, is being led by Indra in collaboration with 22 partners from seven European countries: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Spain.
These partners range from universities and research centers to public authorities, law enforcement agencies, coast guards, and private companies.
The core of the SMAUG system is Indra’s iSIM solution, a sophisticated tool designed to integrate and analyze data from various security systems. This solution allows for seamless communication and data-sharing between different technologies, enhancing the effectiveness of the project’s security measures.
Key Technologies Driving SMAUG
Indra’s innovative approach to port defense and maritime security hinges on four main technologies, each designed to address different facets of the security challenge:
1 | Acoustic Detection via Hydrophones
One of the main methods employed in SMAUG is the acoustic detection of small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This is accomplished through a network of hydrophones strategically placed in the harbor.
These devices listen for underwater sounds, helping to detect any unauthorized or suspicious underwater activity, such as the movement of small AUVs that could be used for illicit purposes like smuggling or espionage.
2 | Sonar Technology for Harbor Floor Scanning
Another vital component of SMAUG is the use of sonar to scan the bottom of the harbor for any potential threats.
Sonar is effective at detecting objects that might be difficult to spot using traditional methods, such as underwater mines, wreckage, or illegal objects. By scanning the harbor floor, the system provides a comprehensive view of potential underwater threats.
3 | High-Resolution Sonar for Underwater Inspection
SMAUG also incorporates high-resolution sonar to conduct detailed inspections of underwater objects that may be poorly visible or difficult to detect.
This high-resolution capability allows the system to identify and assess even the smallest and most elusive threats, ensuring that no potential security issue goes unnoticed.
4 | Swarm of Autonomous Underwater Drones
Perhaps one of the most exciting and innovative elements of the SMAUG project is the use of a swarm of coordinated autonomous underwater drones.
These drones work together to patrol the harbor and other maritime areas, autonomously detecting and neutralizing threats or illegal activities such as illicit trafficking. By employing swarm technology, SMAUG ensures that a large area can be effectively monitored without requiring constant human intervention.
The Broad Applicability of SMAUG
While the SMAUG project is primarily focused on enhancing port security, its potential applications go far beyond just port areas.
The system’s versatility allows it to be deployed in a wide range of maritime environments, including coastal areas and along maritime boundaries. This makes it an essential tool for countries seeking to bolster their defenses against the growing threat of illegal trafficking, piracy, and even potential military threats in the maritime domain.
Given the increasing development of unmanned underwater vehicles and the rising complexity of maritime threats, the SMAUG project’s significance cannot be overstated.
The system’s ability to detect small and hard-to-detect underwater objects and activities positions it as a vital defense mechanism in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Enhancing International Cooperation
One of the key objectives of the SMAUG project is to foster international collaboration in the fight against illicit maritime activities.
As Indra’s Juan Roman Martínez, the head of the project, stated:
“This project means significant progress in maritime security, as it reinforces safety and promotes international cooperation in the fight against illicit activities in the maritime environment.”
The collaborative nature of SMAUG, with its multinational consortium of 22 partners, exemplifies how countries and organizations can work together to address common security challenges.
The integration of various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, coast guards, and private entities, ensures a comprehensive and coordinated response to maritime threats.
The Role of iSIM in Optimizing Maritime Security
At the heart of the SMAUG project is Indra’s iSIM solution, which is integral in processing and analyzing data from the various sensors and systems involved. By consolidating information from hydrophones, sonar scans, drones, autonomous vehicles, and even satellite surveillance systems, iSIM provides a unified, real-time view of the maritime environment.
This enables faster, more informed decision-making for security personnel and authorities, enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing the response to any detected threats.
Additionally, iSIM’s ability to integrate data from port management systems ensures that the system is not only effective in terms of security but also operationally efficient.
By providing a global, interoperable view of the maritime landscape, the iSIM solution contributes to better coordination among various stakeholders, further strengthening the overall security posture.
Final Thoughts
The SMAUG project is a pivotal step toward transforming maritime and port security. By incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sonar, and unmanned underwater vehicles, SMAUG represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing modern maritime challenges.
As the project progresses, it has the potential to serve as a model for future maritime security initiatives, demonstrating the power of international collaboration, innovative technology, and data integration in safeguarding critical maritime assets.
The successful deployment of SMAUG could set a new standard for port and coastal security worldwide, offering a robust defense against the evolving threats in the maritime domain. With the continued development of such systems, the future of maritime security looks more secure, efficient, and technologically advanced than ever before.
