Six countries in Northern Europe—Denmark, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands—will intensify their maritime sector cooperation. The recently established Seabed Security Experimentation Centre in The Hague is a part of this. Governments, businesses, and the armed forces will collaborate to examine ways for nations to enhance the security of their vital underwater infrastructure.

SeaSEC aims to innovate by creating novel methodologies, allowing governments to surveil infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic Sea up to a depth of 30 meters. This includes monitoring internet cables, oil and gas pipelines, and the platforms supporting wind turbines.

Researchers will have extensive access to data from military and civilian databases across the six participating countries. When exchanging information, meticulous efforts are made to uphold confidentiality, considering potential classifications or commercial sensitivities from involved parties. One key objective is to construct a virtual representation of the seabed, promptly revealing any threats to submarine infrastructure.

SeaSEC comes with a large test area in the sea measuring 10 by 10 nautical miles, or 18 by 18 kilometers. In this context, for example, unmanned surveillance vehicles can be tested.

The establishment of SeaSEC is a key component of the Northern Naval Capability Cooperation initiative. Formally endorsed on December 7, 2023, in Washington, this collaboration involves defense organizations from the six partner countries. The NNCC was initiated to bolster the northern maritime industry, recognizing the importance of having top-tier systems and equipment in place.

The plan is to eventually expand SeaSEC with additional sites in Sweden and Germany. This expansion will provide researchers with the opportunity to test new techniques under varied conditions, including scenarios involving sea ice.

Image source: Ministry of Defence, Netherlands