Autonomous survey sets new benchmark in deep-water cable mapping
Saildrone, in partnership with Meta, successfully completed the first autonomous deep-water cable route survey in the North Atlantic, setting a new benchmark for offshore mapping. The mission aimed to demonstrate not only the feasibility but also the efficiency and reliability of Saildrone’s uncrewed surface vessel (USV) survey operations.
Beneath the ocean’s surface lies the backbone of our connected world: subsea cables. These fibre-optic lifelines – roughly the width of a garden hose – carry over 99% of international data, powering everything from internet traffic and financial markets to government communications. Some reach depths of 8,000 metres, weaving across the seafloor in a global network that, as of 2024, spans more than 1.4 million kilometres – equivalent to circling the Earth over 35 times or stretching to the moon and back more than three times.
Laying these cables requires precision. Routes must be carefully planned to avoid coral reefs, shipwrecks, protected habitats and underwater hazards. That’s where innovation at sea comes in.
Mapping without a crew
In a pioneering mission, Saildrone – together with Meta – completed a deep-water cable route survey in the North Atlantic using the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-metre-long USV. Over 26 days in June and July 2024, the Surveyor mapped more than 4,500 kilometres of seafloor, navigating complex terrain and harsh conditions entirely autonomously – without port stops or external support. It matched the accuracy and performance of traditional crewed vessels while dramatically cutting risk, cost and emissions. This first-of-its-kind mission marks a new chapter in how we explore, plan and safeguard the infrastructure of our digital age.
The Surveyor, equipped with a Kongsberg EM304 MKII multibeam sonar, operated along the Anjana and Aurora cable routes, achieving up to 10km swath coverage at depths of 5,500 metres. Route fidelity, data transmission and depth accuracy met or exceeded expectations – all while avoiding an estimated 243 tons of CO₂ emissions, emitting over 50 times less than a conventional survey ship.
Turning point
“This is a turning point for deep-ocean survey,” said Brian Connon, vice president ocean mapping at Saildrone. “The Surveyor’s performance on this mission proves that we can deliver high-resolution, deep-water bathymetry with a fraction of the fuel, cost and risk. As our fleet expands, we envision a global network of Surveyor USVs supporting offshore industries with safe, efficient and scalable data solutions.”
Beyond the data, the mission demonstrated a shift in offshore work culture – hydrographers, engineers and client reps can now operate from shore-based offices, significantly improving quality of life and reducing HSE exposure. The success of this demonstration opens the door to broader USV adoption in subsea telecom, energy and national hydrography, with future upgrades focused on range, resilience and intelligent automation.
