In today’s interconnected, energy-dependent world, subsea infrastructure like fibre-optic cables and oil pipelines are the unsung heroes of global communication and commerce. These underwater networks account for over 95% of intercontinental internet traffic and transport billions of dollars’ worth of hydrocarbons every day. However, their crucial role in powering the global economy also makes them vulnerable to a host of threats—ranging from environmental challenges to human interference, operational mishaps, and geopolitical risks. As the demand for connectivity, energy, and resources rises, the importance of safeguarding subsea infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Offshore surveying is essential in this effort, serving as the backbone of subsea asset management. By blending marine engineering, hydrography, and geospatial intelligence, offshore surveying provides critical data to design, construct, monitor, and secure subsea infrastructure. Marine surveyors use a combination of advanced technologies and precise methodologies to identify geohazards, map seabed morphology, and determine optimal routing for cables and pipelines. In the age of cyber-physical vulnerabilities, geospatial intelligence isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity to ensure that the digital and energy economies remain secure.
Offshore surveys typically begin with pre-installation reconnaissance. Surveyors use tools like multibeam echosounders (MBES), side-scan sonar (SSS), sub-bottom profilers (SBP), and magnetometers to generate highly accurate images of the seabed and underlying geology. These datasets are invaluable for identifying stable, low-risk corridors for cable or pipeline installation. The ability to assess slope gradient, sediment composition, boulder fields, and tectonic features helps engineers avoid potential threats such as shifting seabeds or abrasions that could damage infrastructure over time. Additionally, modern route planning software allows engineers to simulate various installation scenarios, optimizing the alignment and reducing the environmental and operational risks.
Beyond geophysical data, oceanographic information like current velocity, wave action, and temperature profiles are also vital. In regions like the Niger Delta, Gulf of Guinea, and the Red Sea, these factors can influence sediment mobility, potentially leading to the exposure of pipelines or the displacement of cables. Accurate hydrodynamic modeling helps to design protective measures such as trenching, rock dumping, or articulated mattresses that can secure subsea assets against these forces.
Post-lay and as-built surveys are equally important. After installation, surveys are conducted to ensure that cables and pipelines remain within the designated corridor and meet design tolerances. Through the use of MBES and SSS imagery, surveyors can identify potential issues like cable exposure, overbends, and free spans, ensuring that no operational damage has occurred. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with high-definition cameras are used for visual inspections, providing an invaluable tool for assessing infrastructure in high-risk zones.
Geospatial intelligence further enhances the utility of offshore survey data. By integrating survey results into Geographic Information Systems (GIS), stakeholders can analyze asset locations, monitor environmental factors, and assess risks in real-time. Through predictive analytics and machine learning models, geospatial intelligence can even forecast areas of vulnerability, helping stakeholders make proactive decisions and schedule maintenance or remediation before an issue arises.
A significant threat to subsea infrastructure is third-party interference, particularly accidental damage from activities like trawling, anchoring, or dredging. In busy maritime areas such as the Singapore Strait or the West African coast, the high volume of traffic increases the likelihood of damage to subsea infrastructure. Offshore surveying, combined with data from Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), allows authorities to track vessel behaviors and identify potential risks. Real-time surveillance systems are becoming increasingly common, alerting monitoring stations to anomalous activities and facilitating rapid response to threats.
Emerging offshore industries, such as offshore wind farms, floating LNG terminals, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, also contribute to the complexity of subsea asset management. The co-location of new infrastructure alongside existing subsea assets calls for more comprehensive surveys and coordination. Survey data is crucial for managing spatial conflicts, determining exclusion zones, and minimizing risks to existing infrastructure while supporting the development of new assets.
Infrastructure security also depends on the frequency of inspections. Regular surveys help identify subtle changes in seabed conditions or infrastructure alignment that could indicate emerging risks. However, many developing countries face challenges in conducting these inspections due to limited resources and capacity. In such regions, low-cost Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) have emerged as a solution, providing a way to conduct frequent surveys without the need for large, expensive vessels or crews.
International collaboration and standardization also play a key role in offshore surveying. Organizations such as the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and International Seabed Authority (ISA) set global standards for seabed mapping and data sharing. Collaboration between countries and industries is vital for ensuring the safety and resilience of subsea infrastructure, particularly in high-risk regions.
Finally, capacity building is crucial. Survey engineers must be well-versed in a wide range of disciplines, including acoustic sensor calibration, marine GIS, geotechnical interpretation, and data validation. Specialized training programs and certifications, such as those offered by IHO Category A or B, are essential for equipping professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Governments, industries, and academic institutions should work together to ensure that future generations of surveyors are trained and prepared to meet the challenges of safeguarding critical offshore infrastructure.
In conclusion, the security of subsea cables and pipelines is inseparable from the quality and frequency of offshore surveys. As global reliance on these systems continues to grow, nations must prioritize offshore surveying as a key component of critical national infrastructure protection. Through geospatial intelligence, predictive modeling, and continuous monitoring, surveyors are not just mapping the seafloor—they are securing the lifeblood of the digital and energy economies.
By: Taye Michael Akerele
Hydrographic Surveyor/ Marine Surveyor
