Evaluating Integration of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles into Port Protection

As underwater vehicle technology, manufacturing processes, and artificial intelligence continue to advance, autonomous underwater systems are now faster, smarter, more connected, and capable of completing a great variety of mission types. Although the ocean science community uses these systems for oceanography and exploration, potential adversaries could re-task these systems to threaten port facilities and infrastructure. It is imperative that our nation and our industry partners evaluate and develop port protection systems that utilize, and defend against, autonomous underwater vehicle threats of the future. This paper reviews the problem of port protection, its importance, technical challenges, and existing and novel technology that may support the required protection functions. A literature review outlines the history of port security capabilities, both supporting and adversarial systems, including underwater vehicles and marine mammals. Assumptions, variable definitions, and methodology for evaluating port protection scenarios are presented. A port protection solution is introduced with corresponding evaluation strategies and potential technologies for implementation. We conclude by recommending that autonomous underwater vehicle technology and associated protection solutions be further developed, and research gaps be resolved, to develop a comprehensive port protection solution for the future.