Seabed Protection: Dark Fiber Detection System

Our offshore cable and pipeline infrastructure is crucial for meeting the growing demand for energy and communication. However, recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of this infrastructure. Damage to cables and pipelines can have serious consequences for our daily lives, yet there are currently insufficient monitoring and security measures in place. Essentially, underwater, we are blind and deaf to potential threats.

Specialists with geophysical expertise from the Geological Survey of the Netherlands have made significant progress in addressing this issue. By conducting successful tests in the North Sea using wind-farm power cables and telecommunication cables as sensors, they were able to detect maritime traffic in the vicinity of these vital infrastructure components. This breakthrough marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety and security of our offshore infrastructure.

According to Vincent Vandeweijer, a geologist and geophysicist at the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, "Using dark fibres, we were able to detect and track ship movement close to cables on the seabed. This technique can make a crucial contribution to safety in the North Sea." The use of innovative technology and expertise is proving to be instrumental in safeguarding our offshore assets.

One of the key technologies being employed is a device known as a DAS interrogator, which is connected to the end of the cables on land. This device utilizes laser light to detect vibrations along the entire length of the cable, even over vast distances. These vibrations can be caused by various factors, including earthquakes, environmental noise, ocean waves, marine mammals, and maritime traffic.

By analyzing the data collected through this system using advanced algorithms, maritime traffic can be accurately detected and located. This information is further validated using data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS). In cases where there is a discrepancy between the two sets of data, it could indicate suspicious activity, prompting an automatic alert to the relevant authorities. This proactive approach enhances the overall security of our offshore infrastructure.