Smart Ports, Clean Waters: Revolutionizing Water Quality Monitoring in South West England

The South West of England is set to become a hub for innovative water quality monitoring, thanks to a pioneering project that combines cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability. Led by Somerset-based marine acoustic monitoring experts, MSeis, the ‘Smart Ports, Clean Waters’ project aims to transform public understanding of water ecosystems in ports and harbours in the region.

Water pollution is a pressing concern in the UK, with only 14% of rivers meeting the criteria for ‘good ecological status’

The project, which has secured Innovate UK funding, will deploy non-invasive uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to collect water quality data in three key South West regional ports: Dartmouth, Falmouth, and Plymouth. The USVs, designed by HydroSurv, will be equipped with specialist sensors from Chelsea Technologies to monitor water quality and eutrophication.

“This zero-emission, safe and sustainable solution for water quality data collection will achieve widespread coverage at three of the South West’s key harbours using highly automated, robotic vessels overseen by shore-based personnel.” - David Hull, CEO of HydroSurv

The project’s cloud-based, geospatial data viewing platform will provide accessible and unbiased information to regional stakeholders, operating independently from other public and private monitoring efforts.

A USV collecting water quality data in a South West harbour

During the 12-month test and demonstration campaign, the consortium will showcase the cloud-based visualisation platform, providing detailed weekly datasets from each harbour and evaluating workshops involving port partners. The project’s commitment to serving public interest will provide accurate and unbiased information to the community.

The ‘Smart Ports, Clean Waters’ project will provide a sustainable solution for water quality monitoring in the South West

As the UK grapples with the pressing issue of water pollution, the ‘Smart Ports, Clean Waters’ project offers a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of innovative technology and collaboration, this pioneering project is set to make a significant impact on the region’s water ecosystems.