The Sea-Scan research team from Trinity College Dublin has been awarded the top prize in the Defence Innovation Challenge for its AI-enhanced real-time vessel detection system. This project addresses the increasing threats to subsea communications and energy infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for effective monitoring of Ireland’s maritime activities. The announcement was made on October 12, 2023, by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, alongside Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Defence.
The Sea-Scan project received over €1.8 million in funding, part of the co-funded Research Ireland initiative aimed at enhancing national security. The team’s focus is on developing maritime situational awareness to bolster Ireland’s naval security. The runner-up project, known as the MASH – Mobile Adaptable SHelter team, was led by Dr. Daniel McCrum and Dr. Kevin Roche from University College Dublin, along with Defence Forces Liaison Capt. Dave McKenna.
As concerns regarding the monitoring of maritime activity—especially the detection of “dark” vessels—have intensified, the Sea-Scan team’s innovative system aims to provide early warnings and enhance situational awareness. This is particularly crucial for protecting the subsea cables that form the backbone of international communications.
The Sea-Scan team, led by Prof. Marco Ruffini, Dr. John Kennedy, and Defence Forces Liaison Cdr. Cathal Power, is leveraging existing subsea fibre infrastructure to detect and characterize vessel activity. This approach showcases a robust sensing capability integrated within operational communications assets, facilitating effective vessel monitoring and subsea infrastructure protection.
“Challenge-based research funding encourages researchers to work directly with those most affected by the problems they seek to address,” said Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland. He emphasized that the Sea-Scan team’s solution addresses a complex issue, providing a significant capability for the Irish Defence Forces.
Prof. Ruffini highlighted the importance of maintaining strong awareness of activity in Ireland’s maritime domain. “As subsea communications and energy infrastructure continue to grow in strategic importance, so too does the need for continuous, reliable monitoring of the surrounding maritime environment,” he stated.
The funding awarded under the Maritime Situational Awareness Challenge demonstrates the potential of cutting-edge research to deliver practical solutions that reinforce national security while fostering technological innovation. Minister Lawless underscored the importance of these advancements, noting that they are essential for ensuring the Defence Forces are equipped to operate effectively in an increasingly complex environment.
Minister McEntee added, “This investment reflects our commitment to modernizing defence capabilities and embracing innovative solutions for the future.” The Sea-Scan team’s project stands as a testament to the critical role of innovation in national security and maritime safety.
