Mississippi port launches continuous autonomous subsea surveillance with Ocean Aero’s Triton
On 1 May, the Port of Gulfport in Mississippi, US, initiated continuous autonomous subsea surveillance – a notable development in the monitoring of port security and marine infrastructure. The effort centres on Ocean Aero’s Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicle (AUSV), which is fitted with a suite of subsea payloads, including bathymetric sensors, sidescan sonar and magnetometers. Together, these instruments produce high-resolution comparative datasets to support real-time change detection.
The primary goal of the operation is to identify anomalies in both port infrastructure and traffic, an approach that could generate substantial cost savings. According to Jon Nass, CEO and executive director of the port, the ability to detect early signs of damage or irregular activity could save the port millions in future repair and response costs.
Severe weather events
Beyond day-to-day monitoring, the Triton AUSV will prove particularly valuable in the wake of severe weather events. In the aftermath of hurricanes, the system can help locate debris and assess structural integrity below the surface – critical tasks for ensuring that the channel and harbour can be reopened to vessel traffic as quickly and safely as possible. As Nass explained: “The Port of Gulfport is in the business of maintaining infrastructure, yet some of our most important assets are underwater, such as the channel and harbour. This partnership will allow the port to monitor underwater assets with the same vigilance and care as those above water.”
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is providing data analytics and predictive modelling for the project. Kelly Lucas, USM’s vice president for research, emphasized the importance of subtle pattern recognition in long-term port maintenance. “Small, nearly imperceptible changes can accumulate over time, evolving into significant issues that impact port operations,” she noted. By identifying these shifts early through data trends, USM aims to deliver advanced situational awareness while offering its students exposure to real-world analytical challenges.
The broader Gulf Blue initiative, spearheaded by USM, will support this effort by connecting companies developing new sensors and algorithms with opportunities to integrate and test their technologies onboard the Triton system.
Monitoring underwater assets
Ocean Aero’s Triton platform is already in use by the US Navy and international partners for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. The private sector has also adopted the technology, with major oil and gas operators using it to scan for pipeline anomalies and subsea infrastructure threats. However, its deployment in defence of critical port assets may prove to be one of its most impactful roles yet. “We have precisely the right instruments at precisely the right moment in time that we need to make sure our underwater assets are safe,” said Ocean Aero CEO Kevin Decker. “This Gulf Coast collaboration is the first proof point in the world that shows how much we can do today at a fraction of traditional costs to keep our ports clear of interference.”
Ocean Aero relocated its headquarters and manufacturing facility from California to Mississippi in January 2022, establishing a strong presence in the Gulf Coast. Since then, the collaboration between government, academia and industry has continued to flourish. The autonomous port surveillance initiative now represents the latest evolution of this partnership – and a new chapter in Mississippi’s maritime innovation.
The initiative has garnered interest across multiple sectors. The Naval Oceanographic Office has expressed its support, with Ms Bobbie Thompson noting the significance of advancements in unmanned maritime systems for port security. “We look forward to observing how innovative projects like this one from Ocean Aero and the Port of Gulfport can help improve homeland defence capabilities.”
