The Netherlands has initiated a groundbreaking collaborative effort alongside Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, and Sweden to fortify the protection of vital submarine infrastructure, such as pipelines and cables. The Seabed Security Experimentation Center (SeaSEC), inaugurated in The Hague, serves as the epicenter for pioneering research into innovative equipment aimed at safeguarding the seabed. SeaSEC’s primary objective is the development of cutting-edge techniques empowering governments to oversee infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea up to a depth of 30 meters. This encompasses critical components like internet cables, oil and gas pipelines, as well as the platforms housing wind turbines.
This collaborative endeavor facilitates access to an extensive repository of data derived from military and civilian databases across the six participating nations. Rigorous protocols ensure the utmost confidentiality when sharing information, acknowledging the potential classification or commercial sensitivity of involved parties’ data. One of the core objectives is the creation of a virtual representation of the seabed, providing real-time visibility of any threats looming over submarine infrastructure. Spanning a sizable expanse of 10 by 10 nautical miles (18 by 18 kilometers) in the sea, SeaSEC features an expansive test area. This domain facilitates test rounds conducted by unmanned surveillance vehicles, pushing the boundaries of experimental innovation.
The establishment of SeaSEC is a pivotal component of the Northern Naval Capability Cooperation initiative, formally ratified today in Washington. This strategic partnership among the defense entities of the six nations aims to fortify the northern maritime industry by ensuring access to the most advanced systems and equipment. Further expansion of SeaSEC is anticipated, with plans in motion to inaugurate branches in Sweden and Germany. These extensions will enable researchers to test and refine novel techniques under diverse conditions, including scenarios involving sea ice—an essential step toward enhancing the efficacy of submarine infrastructure protection.
