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The ECoSS project culminates with a milestone in underwater noise research and marine conservation

The ECoSS project culminates with a milestone in underwater noise research and marine conservation

Publicado: 12/03/2025

SAES has played a pivotal role in the ECoSS project – European Catalogue of Sound Signatures (CINEA/2022/OP/0019), focused on the analysis of underwater noise and the protection of the marine environment. This project, supported by the European Union and officially concluding on 28th March, has facilitated the creation of a digital catalogue of acoustic signatures and the development of artificial intelligence tools for classifying underwater sounds. Sara García, Chief Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability Officer, emphasises that “for SAES, data-driven methods are an essential tool for enhancing the understanding and protection of the marine environment. Our technological capabilities serve dual applications and marine environmental protection, allowing us to significantly contribute to the identification and mitigation of underwater noise”. 

The ECoSS project – European Catalogue of Sound Signatures (CINEA/2022/OP/0019) will conclude on the 28th of March, establishing itself as a benchmark in underwater noise research and its impact on the marine environment. Driven by a consortium of leading entities in acoustic technology and marine conservation, such as the Naval and Maritime Technology Centre (CTN) and SAES (Sociedad Anónima de Electrónica Submarina), it once again demonstrates its commitment to marine environmental protection, reinforcing its role as key players in the sustainability of oceanic ecosystems. Alongside them, ETT Solutions, Witteveen+Bos, ICES, SHOM, OnAir, SMHI, and the support of the European Union, ECoSS lays the foundation for the effective protection of marine ecosystems against acoustic pollution. 

One of the main achievements of the project has been the creation of a digital catalogue of underwater acoustic signatures, a fundamental tool for the monitoring and management of underwater noise. Given their expertise in acoustic technologies and underwater sound modelling, CTN and SAES, along with the other companies in the consortium, have played a crucial role in the design and development of a system that enables the identification and classification of underwater noise sources. This advancement facilitates decision-making in environmental regulation and the design of mitigation strategies. Furthermore, it promotes collaboration between researchers and environmental entities, ensuring the continuous updating of databases and the contribution of new knowledge. The initiative aligns with the European Union’s Open Science Policy, the INSPIRE Directive (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe), and FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), ensuring that data is accessible and reusable for the scientific community and regulatory bodies.

The project has also developed innovative tools based on artificial intelligence for the classification of underwater sounds. The implementation of advanced models that enable precise identification of sound sources optimizes conservation efforts and reduces the impact of maritime traffic and other human activities on marine biodiversity. The integration of AI models enhances the response capability to acoustic threats, facilitating the adoption of preventive measures for the benefit of vulnerable marine species. 

The success of ECoSS, made possible through the collaboration between the business sector, the scientific community, and public administrations, “has demonstrated how the combination of the technological expertise of participating companies, the academic knowledge of scientific institutions, and the support of governmental bodies allows for developing innovative solutions with a practical and applicable approach to environmental management,” according to Noelia Ortega, director of CTN. She further adds, “this synergy has been key to addressing underwater noise challenges effectively and sustainably, confirming that open innovation ensures scientific advances translate into useful tools for decision making and marine conservation. It is the future.” 

Sara García, Chief Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability Officer at SAES, emphasizes that “for SAES, data-driven methods are an essential tool to enhance the understanding and protection of the marine environment. Our technological capabilities are dedicated to dual applications and marine environmental protection, allowing us to significantly contribute to the identification and mitigation of underwater noise. These capabilities are fundamental to ensuring tangible benefits for marine biodiversity and exploring new opportunities in the field of underwater acoustics.” 

Furthermore, Rosa Martínez, Head of Digital Technologies at CTN, points out that “ECoSS represents a clear example of how collaboration between research entities and companies drives the development of innovative digital tools for the protection of the marine environment, ensuring data accessibility and reusability in accordance with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).” Martínez also adds, “Providing the scientific community with such tools is essential to expanding the knowledge of underwater ecosystems, especially in a context where identifying and mitigating noise is one of the greatest challenges, as these tools reinforce informed decision-making and actively contribute to the conservation and sustainability of marine biodiversity.” 

Presentation of Results in Brussels 

The results of ECoSS, presented last month in Brussels, brought together experts in marine research, acoustic technology, and ocean conservation. The event included sessions on the challenges of underwater noise, the development of the digital catalogue, and innovation opportunities in the sector. During the meeting, the importance of identifying and cataloguing underwater acoustic signatures for a better understanding of human-generated noise and its relation to the marine environment was highlighted. The applications of the catalogue in the implementation of measures under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) were also explored.

Pablo Aguirre, Systems Development Engineer at SAES, responsible for the developments carried out in this project by SAES, stated that “the ECoSS project has been crucial in establishing a digital catalogue of underwater acoustic signatures, complemented by advanced AI tools for classification. These technologies not only optimise conservation efforts but also open up new possibilities in various areas related to underwater sound. The ability to proactively identify and mitigate underwater noise impacts strengthens our response to acoustic challenges, ensuring tangible benefits for marine biodiversity and generating additional opportunities.” 

From CTN, the engineer and head of the AI line, José Antonio García, added, “ECoSS has been the first step towards a better understanding and comprehension of the marine environment. The provision of AI models capable of classifying acoustic signals allows scientists worldwide to catalogue their own signals and participate in the continuous growth of the generated acoustic signature catalogue. This catalogue lays the foundation for scientists and engineers to create new models adaptable to niche domains, which will assist in generating technological solutions in the area of underwater acoustics.” 

The conclusion of ECoSS marks the end of a crucial phase in the study of underwater noise, but it is just another step in opening new opportunities for developing innovative strategies in marine conservation. Indeed, the knowledge generated by this project will serve as a basis for future research and regulatory initiatives, ensuring a healthier ocean for generations to come.

Presentation of Results from the Digital Catalogue of Underwater Acoustic Signatures

Participación en consorcios de ámbito nacional e internacional_

SAES has participated in the development of the MIRICLE project (December 2021 to December 2023), selected for funding by the European Commission in the 2020 EDIDP (European Defence Industrial Development Program) call, under the theme: Solutions to detect, identify, counter, and protect against the threat of mines, including those operating at great depths.

The project has been developed by a consortium composed of 18 entities from 10 European nations and coordinated by the French entity Naval Group.

MIRICLE (Mine Risk Clearance for Europe) addresses the main components of an innovative mine countermeasure solution, such as: mission system, communication network, MCM (Mine Countermeasure) vessel, and robots, using Artificial Intelligence to support decision-making and leading to significant improvements in the execution of MCM missions. More specifically, it will enable European navies to benefit from the highest and most interoperable military mine countermeasure capabilities, in accordance with NATO recommendations.

SAES’s participation in the project focuses on two areas: reduction of electric and magnetic signatures, including the definition, design, development, and testing of an electromagnetic signature reduction system, and the study, analysis, and evaluation of the mine threat.

SAES is part of the consortium of European entities developing the USSPS (Unmanned Semi-fixed Sea Platforms) project, selected by the European Commission in the 2019 call under the theme: Maritime surveillance generated by sensor networks based on fixed or semi-fixed unmanned platforms.

The selected consortium is composed of a total of 17 entities from 7 European countries and is coordinated by the Greek entity ETME. SAES participates as a Linked Third Party of Navantia. The project has a duration of 42 months, with its completion scheduled for May 2025.

The project is focused on the development of a prototype unmanned platform, highly autonomous, energy-efficient, based on miniaturised oil platform technologies and equipped with a wide range of aerial, surface, and underwater sensors. This platform can be deployed in any geographical area, including deep waters, and in adverse environmental conditions, making it very versatile in its operations.

SAES’s participation focuses on integrating its DDS-03 Diver Detection Sonar and its associated DES system into the platform, aimed at deterring divers from approaching the protected area by emitting acoustic messages. It also participates in the development of requirements and the design of the complete system prototype.

Since December 2022, SAES has been participating in the dTHOR project, selected in the 2021 call of the European Defence Fund (EDF) under the category: Smart Ships, theme: Structural Health Monitoring of Digital Ships.

The project has a duration of 36 months and is being developed by a consortium of 35 entities from 9 European countries, coordinated by the Norwegian entity SINTEF.

dTHOR (digital ship sTructural Health mOnitoRing) will develop the next generation of a predictive structural health monitoring system for ships. This system is based on the innovative use of: large amounts of load and response measurements obtained from robust and advanced sensors, a digital environment compatible with recognised open standards for data exchange, and hybrid analysis and modelling, which combines physical and data-driven models.

SAES’s participation in dTHOR focuses on the areas of modelling, including the development of the ship’s vibration-noise transfer function, selection of sensors for acoustic signature acquisition, and management of underwater radiated noise.

SAES is part of the consortium of entities developing the EPC (European Patrol Corvette) project, selected in the 2021 call of the European Defence Fund, in the category: Offshore patrol vessel, theme: Modular and multirole patrol corvette.

The EPC began in November 2023, has a duration of 24 months, and is being developed by a consortium of 35 entities (including beneficiaries, affiliated entities, and subcontracted entities) from 12 European countries, coordinated by the Franco-Italian entity NAVIRIS.

The EPC project is focused on the development of conceptual studies, up to the initial design, of a reference corvette-class ship, capable of carrying out a wide range of missions in future operational contexts. The design produced will lead to the development of a modular and flexible ship, more energy-efficient, more environmentally friendly and safe, and more interoperable and cyber-secure compared to current configurations.

SAES’s participation in EPC is focused on the active management of the ship’s multi-influence signatures, including:

– Measurement and analysis of the ship’s underwater signature.

– Prediction and control of acoustic, electric, and magnetic signatures.

– Acoustic noise monitoring system.

– Digital twin for acoustic signature management and control.

– Tool for evaluating the corvette’s detectability against naval mines.

SAES is part of the international consortium developing the SWAT-SHOAL project (Swarm and teaming operation of Manned & Unmanned Underwater Vehicle SHOAL), selected in the 2023 EDF call under the theme: Underwater manned-unmanned teaming and swarms.

SWAT-SHOAL began in December 2023, has a duration of 36 months, and is being developed by a consortium of 20 entities from 12 European countries, coordinated by the Spanish entity NAVANTIA.

The SWAT-SHOAL project develops the concept of a system of systems that integrates different types of manned and unmanned vehicles into a swarm to achieve greater effectiveness in underwater missions, such as: surveillance, reconnaissance, mine warfare, collaborative engagements, or support for amphibious operations.

SAES’s participation focuses on leading work package WP5, which is focused on identifying technological gaps and defining future roadmaps to eliminate these gaps, and on participating in work packages centred on: scenario definition and requirements capture, System of Systems requirements, platforms and components, communication technology, and work packages related to demonstration simulation and the preparation and execution of the sea demonstration.

SAES is part of the international European consortium developing the UnderSec (Underwater Security) project, selected in the 2022 Horizon Europe call under the theme: Underwater Detection and Control Capabilities.

The consortium responsible for the development of the project is composed of a total of 22 entities from 7 European countries and is coordinated by the German entity Fraunhofer. The project has a duration of 36 months, with its completion scheduled for October 2026.

Within the scope of the project, a prototype system with a modular approach will be developed, consisting of systems, sensors, and robotic assets for the surveillance of ships, ports, and maritime infrastructures, including demonstrations in real operational environments.

SAES leads the work package WP3 Protection Technologies for continuous underwater surveillance and detection of potential threats for early warning and deterrence actions, for which it will develop a barrier of magnetic sensors to detect possible intruders and will provide its DDS-03 diver detection sonar and its DES diver access deterrence system. Additionally, it will participate in other work packages related to activities such as the definition of operational concepts, system integration, and prototype testing.

Since November 2022, SAES has been participating in the development of the European project SONORA, selected under the 2022 call of the JPI (Joint Programming Initiative) Oceans: Underwater Noise in the Marine Environment.

SAES participates as a subcontracted entity of the University of Alicante (UA) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), which are part of the consortium responsible for developing the project along with three Italian entities.

SONORA (evaluation of thresholds and impact, beyond acoustic pressure levels, linked to emerging blue growth activities) will carry out the evaluation of quantitative thresholds related to behavioural and physiological impacts on fish, based on the relationships between acoustic pressure and particle motion, to assess the impact of both variables.

SAES’s participation in SONORA will focus on conducting measurement campaigns of sound pressure levels and particle motion, and analysing the data obtained.

SAES is part of the consortium led by the Naval Technology Centre (CTN) that has been selected by the European agency CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) to develop the tender CINEA/2022/OP/0019 focused on building an open library containing a catalogue of individual sound signatures in shallow marine environments.

The project began its development in September 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in January 2025. The consortium is composed of seven entities from five European countries.

SAES’s participation focuses on data collection and the selection of AI-based algorithms, as well as their training and testing.

SAES is participating in the development of the METASUB project (November 2021 to November 2024), selected in the 2020 COINCIDENTE call (Cooperation in Scientific Research and Development in Strategic Technologies) by the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

The consortium responsible for the execution of METASUB is composed of the following entities: CTN (coordinator), Navantia, and SRG, with SAES participating as a subcontracted entity of CTN.

The METASUB project (Acoustic Materials for the Reduction of Submarine Signatures) is focused on implementing a methodology to obtain different configurations of panels, based on metamaterials, that improve the acoustic performance of the current panels on the superstructure of the Navy’s submarines.

SAES’s participation in METASUB focuses on the following areas: defining the configurations of interest for which the design, optimisation, and manufacturing will be customised, and defining the frequency ranges of interest for each application and the design objectives for the reduction of the electromagnetic signature.

Additionally, SAES participates in the definition and execution of a marine environment test to verify the real-world behaviour of a large object previously designed and manufactured, as well as in potential tests for acoustic and electromagnetic isolation and absorption at sea of a larger-scale sphere.

SAES is part of the consortium developing the ePark+ Project, selected for funding in the 2022 Science and Innovation Missions Call by CDTI, and supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation. In addition to SAES, the consortium is composed of the following entities:

  • Navantia (Coordinator)
  • ABANCE
  • ARISNOVA
  • EOLOS
  • PERSEO TECH

Participating as subcontracted entities: Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT), AICIA (University of Seville), and FIDESOL.

This is a collaborative project that will contribute to the technological development of offshore wind energy, started in December 2022 and will continue until January 2025.

The ePark+ project is focused on the research and development of various digital technologies for the Support of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind farms. The project aims to obtain a technological demonstrator of an Intelligent System for this function using unmanned vehicles, as well as the development of a prototype to demonstrate its operation in a relevant and controlled environment.

The system will consist of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), which will act as a mothership from which Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) will operate, as well as a remote control centre where all the information from the sensors of the unmanned vehicles will be centralised.

SAES’s contribution to the ePark+ programme focuses on underwater acoustic propagation and the monitoring of underwater infrastructures using sensors installed on the vehicles.

SAES’s participation in this project demonstrates the applicability of technologies originating from the defence sector to the civil sector, expanding the diversification of applications for these dual-use technologies. In the field of unmanned vehicle technology, SAES is an expert in their sensorisation for adaptation to various uses through the employment of artificial intelligence techniques.

SAES participates as a member of the consortium developing the BLUESIM project, selected in the 2023 call of the Naval Sector PERTE by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

The consortium is composed of 5 national entities and is coordinated by the company Clue Technologies. Its completion is scheduled for June 2025.

BLUESIM (Synthetic Training Platform for Autonomous UxVs) focuses on the research of a new type of training architecture for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems based on deep learning. The project targets two initial applications: the characterisation of a synthetic marine environment for deep learning and the representation of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) with synthetic systems.

SAES will lead two work packages within this project, related to: Characterisation of the marine acoustic environment, in which it will simulate the acoustic environment adapted to the operational conditions of the UxVs, and Simulation model of acoustic sensors and their interfaces, in which it will simulate a Side-Scan Sonar (SSS) and a forward-looking sonar. Additionally, it will participate in other work packages related to activities such as requirements definition, system architecture definition, and integration and testing of the complete system.