Harbor shield program update: Underwater acoustic imaging of moving vessels

Abstract

Battelle and Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport have developed a maritime security system called Harbor Shield, which can acoustically image the underhull of a vessel from a fixed location to detect potential threats while the vessel is underway. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement dive teams and other security personnel have recovered parasitic drug smuggling devices attached to hulls, and similar devices could be used to attach explosives. At present, the only way to detect such objects is through inspection of stationary vessels by divers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This method is resource intensive and disruptive to traffic, making 100% inspection of vessels a challenge. Harbor Shield will provide the ability to scan moving vessels; process and fuse data from multiple sensors (including side scan sonar); and interface with harbor security systems. This paper discusses recent results, future plans, and benefits of the system.