The collaboration between Hydromea and Equinor has enabled the first wireless data transfer from the seabed directly to satellite systems and cloud storage. This development uses high-speed optical communication modems, eliminating the dependence on physical cables for data management in critical environments.
Hydromea and Equinor’s Transfer Technology
The use of the LUMA platform has demonstrated that it is possible to transmit large volumes of data at a speed of 10 Mbps at extreme depths. This subsea broadband capability enables engineers to receive integrity reports instantaneously, facilitating decision-making based on real data rather than projections.
Likewise, integration with Equinor‘s DEEPNET network ensures constant data flow between seafloor sensors and onshore control centers, achieving optimal data transfer.
The implementation of these systems reduces operational risks and environmental impact by eliminating the need for large support vessels. Free-space optical technology (FSO) offers minimal latency, which is vital for managing intervention drones that operate without physical tethers. By adopting global interoperability standards, this advancement benefits both the hydrocarbon sector and the offshore renewable energy sector, driving a more robust digital infrastructure.
Finally, this advancement establishes a solid foundation for full autonomy in underwater operations. The ability to connect devices at 6,000 meters depth without cables opens a window of unprecedented operational efficiency. This new standard in submerged asset management ensures more economical and safer processes for the future of the global ocean economy.
Source and photo: Hydromea