Unseenlabs Ensures the Security of Assets in the North Sea

In today's interconnected world, the safety and security of our maritime infrastructure are paramount to sustaining global connectivity and energy supply.

The North Sea is an important maritime hub, for global and regional commerce, energy production, and renewable energy initiatives. However, this region's significance also makes it a target for illegal activities that threaten its critical infrastructure. This densely packed area hosts not only strategic shipping routes but also extensive networks of subsea cables and wind farms essential for Europe's energy and communication needs of Northern Europe countries. The North Sea is also home to numerous marine protected areas, which are vital for preserving biodiversity.

On February 12 & 13, 2024, Unseenlabs conducted RF data collections over two days in the North Sea, near and off the coast of Scotland, successfully detecting and tracking multiple dark vessels— ships that had turned off their AIS transponder or were not equipped with one. This effort underscores Unseenlabs' dedication to protecting the North Sea's vital assets, ensuring the security and resilience of its subsea cables and offshore energy facilities. Our advanced satellite technology helps secure one of the key hubs of Europe's maritime operations.

Context: The North Sea

The North Sea spans over 570,000 km2, bordered by Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Connecting to the Atlantic Ocean via the English Channel and the Norwegian Sea, it serves as a critical route for commercial shipping, supporting a vast array of maritime trade lanes that are essential for global commerce.

Moreover, the North Sea is a significant fishery, providing vital resources to the surrounding nations. Its rich marine biodiversity supports a thriving fishing industry that sustains local economies and communities.

The region is also a key area for extracting oil and gas, with numerous offshore platforms contributing substantially to Europe's energy needs.

In recent years, the North Sea has emerged as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in harnessing wind and wave power. This region hosts approximately 40% of Europe's total wind power capacity, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing renewable energy initiatives. Notably, offshore wind farms like the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will be the largest in the world upon completion, are set to power millions of homes and drive the transition towards sustainable energy sources.

Furthermore, the North Sea is densely packed with vital subsea cables that form the backbone of global communications. These cables, such as the Atlantic Crossing-1 (AC-1)[1] and the Leif Erikson Cable System[2], facilitate high-speed internet and data transfer across continents, linking Europe with North America and beyond. Subsea cables support everything from financial transactions to international communications, making them indispensable for maintaining the interconnectedness of today's digital world.

This combination of traditional energy resources, renewable energy potential, and critical communication infrastructure highlights the multifaceted importance of the North Sea. Safeguarding these assets is essential not only for regional sovereignty but also for maintaining the integrity of global economic and communication networks.

Monitoring and Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Despite stringent regulations, the North Sea faces persistent issues with illegal maritime activities. Dark vessels, which disable their AIS transponders to avoid detection, can pose significant threats to subsea cables and offshore windfarms. These unauthorized activities can lead to accidental damage or deliberate sabotage, disrupting critical infrastructures.

Unseenlabs' RF data collections in February 2024, conducted over two days, covered a cumulative area of 600,000 km2, detecting 637 RF positions and geolocating 43 positions. Importantly, 7% of the emitters detected in the area were RF only, making them invisible to traditional AIS monitoring systems.

Multiple RF-only ships (dark vessels) were detected near strategic windfarms and subsea cables, including the Atlantic Crossing-1, the Leif Erikson, and the BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System[3], while navigating in UK waters (the UK EEZ). Our work is crucial to intercept emitters near strategic subsea cables and windfarms. By identifying and tracking these dark vessels, Unseenlabs helps to prevent potential threats before they can cause harm. It can also assist stakeholders in identifying liabilities for intentional or accidental damages.

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Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the need to protect the North Sea's vital infrastructure amidst growing maritime threats. Unseenlabs' advanced satellite technology enables monitoring of vessels, providing actionable data to mitigate risks and prevent potential damage. By supporting stakeholders, including governments and industry leaders, Unseenlabs plays a vital role in enhancing the security and resilience of the North Sea's marine assets.

Unseenlabs' commitment to turning the invisible visible significantly contributes to the stability and sustainability of Europe's energy and communication networks. By providing stakeholders with the necessary tools to monitor and protect their infrastructure, we help secure a sustainable future for global connectivity and offshore energy production. With our advanced satellite capabilities, we offer peace of mind on the water, reinforcing the integrity of maritime operations worldwide and ensuring that critical threats are identified and addressed promptly.

If you need more information about this campaign, please contact us at [email protected]

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References

• Equinor: World’s largest offshore wind farm Dogger Bank produces power for the first time
• Subsea Telecoms Forum: Britain's Undersea Cables Vulnerable in the Face of Security Threats, Report Warns
• BBC News: Seabed opened for first new wind farm projects in a decade
• Scottish Government: Marine renewable energy
• Wind Europe: North Sea Offshore Wind to Help Repower the EU
• Submarine Networks: Leif Erikson Cable System

Subsea cables mentioned in this use case:

Atlantic Crossing-1 (AC-1)

Leif Erikson

BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System

[1] It is a submarine telecommunications cable linking the US with the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany.

[2] It is a 4,200 km subsea cable connecting southern Norway to Atlantic Canada, powered by 100% renewable energy.

[3] The BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System, which became operational around December 2014, spans 402 kilometers and is owned and operated by BT.