From the Royal Netherlands Navy, Teun van Schriek conducted research on modernising existing tactics to optimise submarine detection using artificial intelligence (AI). The jury praised the direct applicability of his work, which is already being implemented on helicopters for anti-submarine missions.
Van Schriek’s model takes as input the total available search time, enemy behaviour, sonar detection ranges, and historical data. Not finding a submarine at a certain location and time also provides valuable information.
Also read: Maritime Security Award for dark vessel research
Enhanced probability of detection
By incorporating past data, the model ensures that time spent searching without detection is not wasted, but instead enhances the probability of detection later in the mission. This approach strengthens maritime security by enabling faster and more targeted submarine detection in coastal waters or strategic areas.
Moreover, the model improves detection success rates by using available resources more efficiently — crucial in time-critical or hostile environments. It therefore contributes directly to protecting vital maritime routes and national interests.
The model provides operational air units with a quantitatively supported tool to plan search efforts more efficiently during a datum search. By factoring in previous search attempts and submarine behaviour, it can indicate locations with the highest probability of detection, leading to more effective deployment of NH90 helicopters equipped with HELRAS sonar and optimal use of available search time.
Other nominees
In addition to Van Schriek, there were two more nominees.:
- Roos Dees – The North Sea contains critical infrastructure for the Netherlands and is currently inadequately protected. The research by LTZ3 Dees looks at deploying existing fibre-optic cables to continuously detect vibrations and convert these vibrations to ship observations. This technology makes it possible to map suspicious activity in the North Sea. The benefit of the research is that current infrastructures can be used to protect the North Sea.
- Mirjam Hochstenbach – The Royal Netherlands Navy is to acquire new submarines. With the ever-increasing complexity and importance of underwater sensors, it is essential to optimise the processing of acoustic data. Hochstenbach’s research looks at the use of AI to improve passive sonar classification. The research was conducted very carefully and can be used in the further development of Dutch sonar capabilities.
For more information on these two nominees, read our October Maritime Awards special, available to subscribers here. Not yet a subscriber? Please visit our subscriptions page.
Also read: And the nominees for the Maritime Awards 2025 are…
Maritime Awards Gala
The Maritime Awards Gala took place on Monday evening, 3 November, at Ahoy Rotterdam. During the Maritime Awards Gala, more than 900 maritime professionals and stakeholders meet to celebrate the innovative capacity of the Dutch maritime sector together with politicians, the press and the nominees.
Every year, five awards are presented at the Gala; the Ship of the Year Award, the Maritime Innovation Award, the Maritime Talent Award, the Maritime Achievement Award and the Maritime Security Award.
Picture (top): Teun van Schriek (centre) receiving the Maritime Security Award at the Maritime Awards Gala (photo by Maritime Awards Gala).
