A Leap Forward in Subsea Data Connectivity
In a pioneering collaboration, Hydromea’s SWiG-ready LUMA™ Free-Space Optical (FSO) devices successfully transmitted data from the seabed to Equinor’s cloud infrastructure using Equinor’s proprietary DEEPNET network. This is the first known instance where a high volume of data collected at the bottom of the ocean can be streamed wirelessly in real time through a LUMA WLAN hotspot, enabling immediate access for asset integrity engineers and Underwater Intervention Drone (UID) pilots. The result is a seamless, end-to-end data flow—subsea sensors and vehicles can now deliver critical insights to operators in real time.
Transforming Subsea Asset Integrity and Operations
Hydromea’s LUMA platform leverages high-speed, low-latency optical communication technology capable of transmitting data at up to 10 Mbps, even at depths of up to 6,000 meters. This innovation significantly reduces the costs, risks, and environmental footprint associated with traditional subsea monitoring, which often relies on vessel use and cabled solutions. By enabling instant data transmission to the cloud, operators can make smarter, faster decisions and enhance the safety and efficiency of their offshore operations.
Igor Martin, CEO of Hydromea, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This is an important milestone for Hydromea, working with Equinor to show how real-time connectivity for untethered vehicles and data harvesting from sensors will flow wirelessly in real time into an asset operator’s cloud for immediate insights into operational matters.”
Supporting the Future of Subsea Autonomy
This breakthrough is a critical step to enable autonomous subsea operations.
Equinor has been at the forefront of developing standardized docking and data infrastructure for subsea drones and intervention vehicles, aiming to create an open, interoperable ecosystem for the industry. The integration of Hydromea’s high-speed wireless communication technology further accelerates this vision, supporting both the oil & gas and renewables sectors.
Driving Industry Standards and Collaboration
Both companies are active members of the Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG), working alongside industry leaders to drive interoperability and the adoption of underwater wireless technologies. Hydromea’s leadership in developing global standards for subsea optical communication ensures that these innovations will benefit the entire industry, fostering collaboration and accelerating digital transformation across the ocean economy.
A New Era for Subsea IoT
With this world-first demonstration, Hydromea and Equinor are setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in subsea data management. Real-time, wireless subsea-to-cloud connectivity opens the door to scalable, affordable, and sustainable asset integrity workflows—paving the way for a smarter, safer, and more connected ocean future.
For more information about Hydromea’s LUMA technology and how wireless broadband works, visit https://www.hydromea.com/luma-underwater-communication/subsea-to-cloud-wireless
