Warnemünde: Navy tests unmanned boats in April

According to the German Armed Forces, the "SeaSec Data 2 Sea" exercise is not a traditional military exercise, but an "industry challenge" focussing on data exchange. The navy is working together with the Rostock Institute for Ocean Technology (RIOT) and the Seabed Security Experimentation Centre (SeaSec).

Partners from the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark are involved. The aim is to develop new approaches for unmanned maritime systems - both above and below the water surface. In future, the systems should help to better monitor harbours, data cables, pipelines and offshore platforms and protect them against sabotage.

Two training areas off Warnemünde

The training areas are located to the west and east of the Warnemünde fairway. According to the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), there are no navigation bans. Pleasure craft are allowed to pass through the areas and no restrictions are planned. However, the WSV asks for increased attention.

The exact coordinates were published in a notice to mariners. It states that "a large number of surface and underwater vehicles can be expected, some of which will operate autonomously or semi-autonomously". Several security vehicles will also be on site. The authorities ask for increased attention when travelling through the exercise areas.

A spokesperson for the German Navy said when asked:

"As usual, skippers should switch on the usual channels and pay attention to the information provided by the WSV."

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Focus on protecting critical underwater infrastructure

The aim of the tests is to improve the monitoring of harbours and maritime infrastructure such as data cables, pipelines and offshore platforms. The unmanned systems are intended to recognise threats earlier and improve cooperation between manned and unmanned units.

Another focus is on the integration of these systems into existing structures - both nationally and in alliances with other countries. Data exchange between the various systems and players is at the centre of this. The test off Warnemünde will show whether the trialled concepts work under realistic conditions.