Project Leads
The project is led by the Portuguese startup BlueOASIS, in collaboration with Sofar Ocean, using its Spotter platform as the technological foundation. This initiative is part of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean strategy and the HORIZON Europe program, aimed at protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.
Project Description
HydroTWIN is an acoustic digital twin of the ocean that integrates underwater acoustics technology, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing (HPC) to monitor the marine environment in real time.
The system uses smart buoys based on the Spotter platform, equipped with hydrophones, cameras, and environmental sensors, with local processing capability. This infrastructure allows underwater sounds to be captured and processed directly in situ, reducing the need to transmit large volumes of data and optimizing transmission via satellite or 4G to the HydroTWIN cloud platform.
The cloud platform integrates these data with environmental information and vessel location, enabling the identification of noise sources, detection of vessels without active Automatic Identification System (AIS), and even the tracking of cetaceans and other marine species. The deployment of Spotter buoys in coastal and port areas makes precise, real-time acoustic monitoring possible, improving maritime safety and environmental management.
The innovative technology is used by a wide range of users, including oceanic and environmental research institutions working on ocean and biodiversity management. It is also adopted by companies in the maritime and port sectors, including smart ports and offshore and logistics companies, to improve safety and environmental management. In addition, the marine conservation and tourism sectors, including whale-watching companies, use the technology to monitor species and acoustic impact. Public administrations and regional governments, such as RAMPA (Azores Marine Protected Areas Network), also use it for real-time marine environment surveillance, while the aquaculture logistics sector leverages Spotter buoys to monitor environmental conditions and optimize operations.
This technology directly contributes to the European vision of creating digital twins for the oceans and fosters more sustainable and coordinated management of marine areas.
Project Objectives
The main goal of this project is to improve marine environment monitoring through a system that combines underwater acoustics, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. Additionally, the system has potential applications in other areas such as maritime safety, environmental management, and strengthening the resilience of the global supply chain.
Publication Date
September 4th, 2025
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