Elering and Riigilaevastik (the State Fleet) have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop a comprehensive system for monitoring underwater infrastructure. The project's goal is to create an operational and efficient solution for tracking the condition of underwater infrastructure and detecting potential damages by piloting various technologies.
The project lays a strong foundation for the protection of underwater energy infrastructure and complements the national monitoring initiative "Merehunt," enhancing situational awareness and improving surveillance both in Estonia's maritime area and the broader region.
The system being developed aims to better monitor underwater infrastructure and its surrounding environment, recording any changes as necessary. "The complex geopolitical situation requires more rapid surveillance activities than before. By developing these capabilities together, we can take into account the specific needs of all parties from the outset and establish the details of information exchange and cooperation through practical joint activities," said Reigo Kebja, Member of the Management Board of Elering.
According to Sander Sääsk, Director of the Development Service at the State Fleet, the signed cooperation agreement with Elering is a significant step and an important part of a broader national monitoring concept aimed at creating a digital twin of Estonia’s maritime domain. "This will enable the state to have a real-time overview of what is happening in our waters, both above and below the surface, and to respond more quickly to potential threats. The underwater energy and communication connections between Estonia and our neighboring countries are classified as critical infrastructure for a reason. Through the ‘Merehunt’ project, we are strengthening the state’s capability to maintain and protect this infrastructure," added Sääsk.
This is a pilot project aimed at establishing a comprehensive concept for monitoring, protecting, and detecting failures in underwater infrastructure. It will serve as the basis for building out a full-scale network. The implementation of the pilot project, “Merehunt – Underwater Infrastructure,” is led by the Ministry of Climate in cooperation with multiple government institutions and the private sector.