Subsea Data Systems Presents at SMART Cables Workshop in Portugal

Subsea Data Systems President Matt Fouch was invited to present at the "SMART Cables, Science and Society" workshop held at the University of Aveiro in Portugal on May 22-23, 2023, showcasing the company's latest technological advances to an international audience of scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Organized by the JTF SMART Cables initiative, the University of Aveiro, and the Portuguese Committee for the IOC/UNESCO, the workshop brought together stakeholders from around the world to reinforce the role of SMART Cables as global digital infrastructure. The event focused on how these systems can collect real-time data directly from the ocean floor to serve both scientific research and societal needs.

Matt's presentation highlighted Subsea Data Systems' latest technological developments, including the unveiling of a new prototype complete SMART Cable sensor solution. This comprehensive system represents a significant step forward in making sensor-enabled submarine cables practical and deployable for real-world applications, from oceanographic monitoring to seismic detection.

The workshop addressed critical applications of SMART Cable technology across multiple disciplines, including oceanography, geophysics, environmental monitoring, and climate change research. Particular emphasis was placed on mitigating the impact of natural disasters through enhanced earthquake and tsunami detection capabilities—areas where SDS's prototype system shows particular promise.

A key focus of the gathering was the future Atlantic CAM system, envisioned as a SMART Cable that would establish Portugal as a node in the worldwide seafloor observation network. Discussions explored strategies for maximizing the value of data collected by such systems, bringing together perspectives from oceanography, geophysics, security, the blue economy, industry manufacturers and operators, and financing sectors.

By showcasing tangible technological solutions alongside broader strategic discussions, Matt's presentation demonstrated that SMART Cables are moving from vision to reality—one prototype at a time.