Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS)
A proving ground for subsea innovation
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) provides a real-world marine test and demonstration environment for subsea innovation, marine autonomy and ocean sensing. The system enables real-time positioning, tracking, and telemetry for deployed payloads, autonomous platforms, and subsea technologies, supporting trials of navigation, communication, sensing, and data transfer systems under operational marine conditions.
Led by the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, in partnership with , the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) extends the and Western Channel Observatory capability into the subsurface domain.
Built around subsea acoustic nodes for underwater positioning, navigation support and two-way communications, and complemented by Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and the long-running L4 station, SSCS provides a well-characterised testbed for marine autonomy, subsea sensing, positioning, telemetry and data-transfer trials.
The network already provides a valuable platform for subsea vehicle tracking and instrument-to-surface connectivity, including data transfer from a seabed-mounted Sonardyne Origin ADCP to the L4 buoy, with scope to further develop its communications capability
SSCS brings together the world-leading expertise of the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ and ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Marine Laboratory in developing, deploying and operating novel marine technologies to deliver real-world ocean intelligence. Working with City College ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, SSCS will also support a marine technology skills escalator, helping to equip the future workforce with industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience across marine autonomy, subsea sensing, ocean observing and environmental intelligence.
Work with us
We are seeking additional R&D partners to collaborate with us in trialling the SSCS testing environment. Whether your interest is in testing new subsea vehicle operations, underwater data telemetry or any other use of the novel infrastructure, please contact
Aaron Barrett to discuss how your organisation can join us in this pioneering marine technology project.
SSCS provides a unique opportunity to test new ocean observing technologies. For me, its value lies in turning prototypes and field-tested technologies into trusted data streams, accelerating ocean observing towards autonomous sensing and near-real-time insight. This helps turn ocean data into actionable intelligence for climate resilience, early warning and preparedness, while the infrastructure itself enables technology innovation and stronger industry collaboration.
Dr Lilian Lieber
Senior Research Fellow
SSCS is about building the infrastructure needed to locate, track and connect subsea technologies in the real world. One of the persistent challenges in underwater technology is knowing exactly where something is and communicating with it without a physical cable. SSCS is an early step towards permanent subsea infrastructure capable of addressing both challenges. It is, in ambition, the subsea equivalent of moving from a chart, compass and VHF radio towards a GNSS satellite constellation and 5G network. There is much that can already be trialled, and the lessons learned will help shape bigger and better capabilities in the future.
Mr Aaron Barrett
Lecturer in Autonomy
People
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![Mr Aaron Barrett Lecturer in Autonomy]( "Mr Aaron Barrett")
Mr Aaron Barrett
Lecturer in Autonomy
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![Dr Lilian Lieber Senior Research Fellow]( "Dr Lilian Lieber")
Dr Lilian Lieber
Senior Research Fellow
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![Mr Peter Ganderton Technical Specialist (Marine Science)]( "Mr Peter Ganderton")
Mr Peter Ganderton
Technical Specialist (Marine Science)
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![Mr Adam Bolton Technical Specialist in Hydrography]( "Mr Adam Bolton")
Mr Adam Bolton
Technical Specialist in Hydrography
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![Mr David Bowman Senior Technician - Clean Maritime and Autonomy]( "Mr David Bowman")
Mr David Bowman
Senior Technician - Clean Maritime and Autonomy
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CMAST is founded on the achievement of research excellence across autonomous maritime technology and systems, and the cyber security of these technologies and systems.
We bring together diverse research disciplines and stakeholders to continue pioneering safe, cyber-secure, sustainable, and advanced autonomous maritime systems.
Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy
In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, the Centre aims to be a beacon for the UniversityÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.
Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) was initially funded by the (funding period: 2023ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“2025)