Project

The project follows the ACOMAR project, where the main focus for AAU is to make the control and algorithm part of ACOMAR ready for TRL8. Based on offshore tests in ACOMAR, it is expected that several algorithms and their implementation will need to be adjusted to achieve TRL8. It is expected that more tests of the navigation, control and error handling algorithms will need to be carried out at local onshore test facilities, with the aim of adapting and maturing the final product.
In conjunction with these tests, it is expected that documentation of the algorithms will be made for possible transfer. The documentation is intended to promote user-friendliness, so that the algorithms can be operated by the operators.

In continuation of the previous project “Virtual photorealistic underwater environments for data augmentation in training machine learning methods for classification and navigation with UUVs”, it will be beneficial to include a sonar sensor in the selected UUV scenario and simulate it, as visual data can be limited by blurring at high turbidity, e.g. in port environments, at higher distances to the inspection object, or under poor lighting. The choice of sonar system must take into account specific needs and conditions in the selected underwater environment. This will allow for the collection and merging of acoustic data alongside the optical, which can contribute to a more comprehensive and versatile representation of the underwater environment. From a defense perspective, it is particularly interesting to achieve robust detection of objects in an extended working area. This can be, for example, in conditions where objects are hidden by marine fouling, lightly buried or by other masking that can be penetrated by acoustic signals.

In addition to the previous optical simulations, a sonar simulation model must therefore be developed and used. This involves a complex understanding of acoustic signal processing, as well as the unique properties of sound propagation under water, which is why it is intended to use an existing ultrasound simulator (Field-ii, developed by DTU) for the simulation itself. This step will drastically improve the possibility of a holistic simulation of the underwater environment in which the UUVs will operate.

The inclusion of sonar data provides the opportunity to train more robust and versatile machine learning models. Sonar data can be used to strengthen the models' ability for object detection and classification, especially (as mentioned) in scenarios where optical data is insufficient or unreliable, such as under high turbidity. Furthermore, the integration of different sensor data types could result in the development of a multisensor data fusion algorithm, which can improve the precision and reliability of the trained models.

Including sonar data will undoubtedly lead to technical challenges, such as the need to synchronize data from different sensors and the challenges of developing a realistic sonar simulation model. A further technical challenge will be ensuring that the machine learning algorithms can effectively merge the optical and sonar-based data to produce reliable results.

DIIS Maritime is a research network, which examines how geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats at sea affect the operational conditions for international shipping and the maritime sector.

The region of Southern Denmark has had a long historical tradition for a strong involvement in the maritime sector, but the region has for the last 50 years been especially known for its deep involvement in the offshore sector, with Esbjerg as a key location in Northern Europe. The sector is now well-established and continues to grow, currently undertaking a radical transformation. This development is influenced by different factors, including an increase in offshore oil and gas decommissioning, as well as the rapidly growing offshore wind farms and plans for building large energy islands. These islands will serve as electro fuel production and bunkering facilities but will also become hubs that facilitate better connections between the energy generated from offshore wind constructions and the zero emission energy systems ashore. These developments all lead to important challenges and opportunities for the maritime sector. For instance, a strong focus on the maritime offshore sector is essential to realize the plans for developing the energy offshore sector and the connected goals for costs, efficiency, sustainability, performance etc. in all stages of the life cycle, from design, construction, operation, and maintenance to the final decommissioning. The maritime offshore activities will therefore be essential for reaching the United Nations (UN) 2030 and 2050 climate targets. The idea of the project is to investigate multiple aspects of this transition.
The project portfolio consists of six interconnected work packages (WP 1-6) that serve as part of a holistic collaboration platform that will significantly energize the maritime research at SDU. The topics are interdisci-plinary and cover a wide range of maritime disciplines, such as:

• Sustainability, safety, and risks
• Energy efficiency, maintenance, propulsion technologies and fuels
• Business history
• Business and Logistics
• Regulation
• Human factors, health, socio-economic issues
• Naval architecture and maritime operations

All work packages, though separate in their research focus, are interconnected and important to the project, as the breadth and interdisciplinarity of the initiative is what makes it unique in a Danish context.

The goal of AMARIS is to conduct a theory-driven and in-depth study of maritime security in Ghana. It investigates the manifestations of maritime crime in the country (work package 1), the governance responses to maritime security that have developed in the past twenty year (work package 2), and the capacity building assistance that is carried out in the country by international partners (work package 3).