The present invention relates to a communication network and, in particular to a underwater communication network operable to provide cloud computing architecture.

Automation across the process industries in undergoing disruptive change. The industry experienced 30 years of relative stability marked by increased use of local controllers, centralized control systems and PC base interfaces and analytics.

The cost of offshore production is up to double the cost of equivalent onshore activities. The high cost of intervention is often cited as the root cause. But closer examination leads to a different conclusion - costs are artificially high due to low levels of subsea automation. Subsea automation estimated to lag equivalent land based process industry automation by an order of magnitude. Limited automation has led to excessive dependence on predictive models (eg flow, fatigue, corrosion). Without calibration, these models operate are operated with a high level of conservatism, driving up costs.

The path of automation has led to the codification of process knowledge, moving from the 'black art' of tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge. This path has led to an improved understanding of underlying processes, reducing the dependence on in-house experts.

However, subsea automation has been held back due to cost, reliability, and physics. The lifetime cost of a subsea sensor is xl0-xl00 the cost of an equivalent topside sensor. This is driven by the cost of vessels used to deploy cables and the cost to repair connectors.

Advances in industrial wireless control has reduced the cost of automation, improved flexibility and provide for future-proof . The adoption of industrial wireless systems has proved a key enabler of Internet of Things, architectures designed to deliver a step improvement in productivity and cost through analytics.

It is an aim of the present invention to develop this technology yet further and create an improved communications system for underwater data transmission.

The communication system comprises a subsea wireless automation solutions utilising low frequency radio, in hybrid radio, acoustic and optical systems, and in power management. These advances underpin Subsea Internet of Things (SIoT) architecture for multi-parameter sensors connected by hybrid wireless systems deployed in communication nodes.

Based around multi-parameter sensors designed for retrofit to a subsea flowline, each smart node incorporates local data processing, analytics and hybrid wireless communications. The hybrid communications architecture of overlapping radio and acoustic networks provides for resilience whilst supporting the communications of 'critical information'. AUVs acting as 'honeybees' harvest and distribute larger datasets from remote sensors/servers using high bandwidth radio and optical communications. Data security is managed using Blockchain techniques.

Subsea cloud computing will overcome the prohibitive cost of hard wiring all subsea sensors and devices needed to deliver IoT strategies. The subsea wireless technology systems will enable resilient, wide area subsea wireless networks. The relationship between energy consumption, bandwidth and range drives such networks towards high bandwidth, short range or low bandwidth, extended range. However, practical automation strategies are delivered by using extended range architectures, sensor data process and analytics.

In the subsea cloud computing architectures of the present invention, large datasets including production, asset integrity, seismic, down hole met ocean data will be 'stranded' subsea. Data processing, and analytics will move from the desktop and the traditional cloud to the 'subsea edge'. Linking sensors to common clocks enables improved process control, analytics and the introduction of artificial intelligence techniques.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes located underwater, each node comprising a power source, processor, transceiver operable to communication using at least one of acoustic, optical and electromagnetic signals, wherein the nodes are arranged for form a network such that intercommunication between nodes accommodates node redundancy and at least one node includes a sensor mechanism operable to obtain data for use within the network. The provision of such cloud computing architecture network underwater will lead to a reduction in costs for system operations through use of best communication technique to optimize data transmission whilst minimizing battery consumption, and, when applied to an industrial setting, providing increased production throughput, reduced downtime, extended asset life, reduced operating costs and reduced inspection costs by providing network data in an efficient real time manner.

Preferably, the underwater communication network is an underwater cloud computing architecture network.

Preferably, one or more nodes are provided in a fixed position. The nodes may be disposed on an asset or on the seabed. Preferably one or more nodes are mobile nodes. The nodes may be carried by a diver or swimmer or disposed on an AUV, ROV, submarine or some other suitable underwater vehicle.

Preferably, the one or more fixed position nodes are operable to provide navigation and position data to the one or more mobile nodes.

Preferably, the provision of one or more of acoustic, optical and electromagnetic

communications systems enables node redundancy to be managed effectively with regards to variable factors such as node separation and water or environmental

conditions,

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an underwater communication network which provides data operable to generate predictive models of key cost drivers in underwater industries. The underwater industries may include, but are not limited to, oil and gas production, tidal power generation, wave power generation, solar power generation, wind turbine power generation and aquaculture industries. The predictive models generated may include, but are not limited to, for example flow, fatigue and corrosion. Preferably, the predictive models will be distributed across the network such that operation within the industry will be corrected in real time. The real time correction of operation will lead to near term operating benefits and significant capital cost reductions for future installations.

It will be appreciated that subsea cloud computing will see benefit to a wide range of industries including subsea mining, offshore power generation, environmental monitoring, aquaculture, homeland security and defense. In addition, by incorporating real time monitoring and control and data analytics when providing subsea cloud computing the process of in subsea monitoring, control, diagnostics and prognostics of industrial operations will be enhanced through increased data handling, analysis and real time response possible in the field.

According to an aspect of the invention the system includes a communication network with integrated edge computing capabilities and hybrid wireless technologies in the subsea environment to provide an open architecture platform which facilitates a close loop control system. Such a system enables a step change in network analytics. The architecture is designed to support seamless interaction with autonomous vehicles to extend capability and improve resilience.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided one or more devices incorporating multi-parameter sensors deployed within the communication system for process and asset integrity monitoring applications. AUV and ROV units can be incorporated within the platforms for communications. And AUV or ROV provided with wireless communications units can be incorporated to harvest data from within the communication system. The system may further incorporate a wireless subsea control module.

Wireless communication through liquid using a hybrid radio, acoustic, and optical communications units can be incorporated within the communication system. Incorporation of these features will, for example in the oil and gas industry, see increased production and improved asset integrity management. Within other industries there will be seen, for example, increased power generation, increased aquaculture output, increased environmental understanding as well as a general improved understanding of asset status and management thereof.

The subsea communication system will can receive data from a variety of input sources including a wireless subsea control module, temperature, ultrasonic thickness (UT), vibration and ultrasonic flow sensors, data processor producing data such as averages, or alarm points, data analytic systems producing for example, flow model correction (eg OLGA) and/or fatigue model correction, other wireless communication systems transmitting data as radio, acoustic, or optical signals including wireless systems mounted on AUVs. Further to this, network nodes in the system can operate as navigation way-points to assist in AUV navigation about the network. The system may comprise a Wide Area Wireless

Communications Network with overlapping radio and acoustic communications units creating a network between SIoT Smart Sensors and SCM .

The system further comprises the ability to software control of a hybrid radio-acoustic network, AUV control to harvest sensor data, use SIoT technology in using incorporating multi-parameter sensors, local processing, battery management and hybrid wireless communications.

These and further aspects of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 shows a communications network system according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2A shows a graphical representation of data transmission performance of different communication techniques as can be used in the system of the Figure 1;

Figure 2B shows optimal performance areas of difference communication techniques as used in the system of Figure 1;

Figure 2C shows a graphical representation of the battery life performance of different communication techniques as used in the system of Figure 1;

Figure 3A shows a communication network operable as a navigation system according to another aspect of the present invention;

Figure 3B shows an array of communication nodes deployed in accordance with the network of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 shows a communication network system according to another aspect of the present invention, Figures 5 a, 5b and 5c show an example of a communication node for use in the network system of the present invention, and

Figure 6 shows an example of a communication node for use in the network system of the present invention.

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a communication network 10 comprising a plurality of nodes 12, 14, 16, 17 deployed across the subsea environment in conjunction with the above water environment.

The communication network 10 comprising a plurality of sensor nodes 12 distributed across a subsea area with each sensor node, in this case, mounted upon a structure 32 fixed to the seabed 13. Each sensor node is provided with a sensor mechanism (not shown) as well as communication mechanism operable to transmit data in this case using electromagnetic communication signals 15, acoustic communication signals 17 and optical communication signals 18. Communication nodes 14 which in this case are operable to communication wirelessly using electromagnetic communication signals 16 are distributed across the seabed 13 such that a local area radio communication bubble 20 is created around each structure 32. An acoustic communication bubble 22 encompasses a plurality of sensor nodes 12.

The network 10 further includes a FSPO 34 at the ocean surface 35 which is connected to a subsea structure 32 by riser 30. The riser 30 is provided with communication nodes 14 which sit within the acoustic communication bubble 22 as well as some sensor nodes 12. A further daisy chain 25 of communication nodes 14 which can communicate using electromagnetic 16 or acoustic 17 communication techniques are provided on the riser 30 at the boundary of the acoustic communication bubble 22 to enable onward transmission of data signals from within the bubble 22 to a receiver unit such as the FSPO 34.

Within the acoustic communication bubble 22, an AUV 38, can either comprise a sensor node 12 or communication node 14 and thus be provided with a communications module operable to transmit using one or more of electromagnetic 16, optical 18 and acoustic 17 data carrying signals can move around harvesting data from the sensor modules 12 or communication modules 14 and carrying this data elsewhere for onward transmission. It will be appreciated that the AUV 38 will can carry out a type of cross pollination of data carrying data from one area of the network to another area of the network as required.

It will be appreciated that the sensor modules 12 may be environmental monitoring systems enabling a subsea internet of things cloud computing network to monitor earthquakes, meteorological ocean data and pollution The sensor nodes 12 may be distributed on assets as shown but can also be distributed across the seabed 13 (not shown).

Large scale models generated by sensed data will can operate at the seabed and be subject to correction based on actual measured data. By incorporating an artificial intelligence processing mechanism into the node processors, the individual sensors and networked sensors will have an ability to implement accelerated self learning to improve prediction of issues such as earthquakes, climate change impact and pollution impact.

Data harvested from each node can be processed locally to generate only relevant data for transmission thus minimising the bandwidth requirement for onward transmission and enabling effectively local data management and control, as well as local machine learning to develop and implement more effective local control decision making. Access to the data by harvester mechanisms, or by node to node transmission can be managed using a digital ledger technology, such as blockchain or other crypto-currency type technology, which enables secure transactions and ensures that data cannot be hacked by outsiders. The digital ledger technology operates as a distributed database which enables decentralization of storage and processing of the data thus providing transparency and accountability.

Digital ledger allows for privacy of data through the combination of records and by the elimination of the need for intermediaries for data handling. Parties involved in a transfer of data can view the encrypted database and see any mutual transactions, or any transactions for which they have been given the key to see, but no one party controls the data handling process. Therefore, the AUV 38 is only able to access data from nodes 12, 14 for which it has been given access permission. Each transaction is a data set unit, or block, that is added to the digital ledger, or chain, once each mobile or static node involved in the transaction affirms the data unit, or block, is correct. The ledger itself is protected by cryptography. Use of digital ledger technology means within the communication network means it is not possible to manipulate the system or go back and overwrite the digital ledger as it is chronologically time stamped. This means each data transfer transaction can be both authenticated and performed directly and immediately between two nodes 12, 14 in agreement. Thus, transactions offer a secure and indisputably traceable chain or events. With digital ledger, data is split and distributed in pieces all over the network system, however, only the owner of the data is able to put the data back together thus control of the data stays with the owner. Every node 12, 14 has the ability to identify which node owns the data. However, only the node with the correct key, which has been provided to the node by the data owner, can unlock access to the data. Use of digital ledger maximised both transparency and anonymity of the data transfer process as each transaction may be seen by any unit which has access to the chain but since each node has a unique alphanumeric identifier it also has the ability to decide whether to remain anonymous in the transaction between addresses. The transaction may also be programmed with algorithms which automate the transactions between nodes thus enhancing the ability of use of artificial intelligence systems to develop effective processes of using sensed real time data. It will be appreciated that the digital ledger technology implemented may be a blockchain system or some other similar crypto-currency style ledger system. It will also be appreciated that this secured chain of transactions does not have to be available to the public, indeed, it could only be visible to holders of a digital key which provides access to that specific ledger thus providing further security to the communication network. Such a secured or private digital ledger, intended only for use by a specified target audience results in a closed, and thus high security communication network system.

In some circumstances the digital ledger can be an entirely open database to which anyone may add data at any time. However, even is the communication network implements such a ledger which is open to the public, the real identity of the data contributors, or nodes or network units which are adding to the ledger will not be revealed to the public without provision of a pre-determined digital key providing such access. Such a public ledger may also contain confidential information which is only accessible to a specific node or AUV for example, whilst any node may also still be able to contribute information to the ledger without being able to gain access to the data which has been previously been stored in the ledger. To further protect the communication network, access to information in the ledger may be refused without a pre-determined key, or may only be granted upon the contributing node or reader first accepting pre-specified conditions, such as a confidentiality agreement or provision of a specific identification information in the case of an automated handshake.

The digital ledger may be implemented within the network 10 by integration of a ledger template, such as a blockchain template which can be an open source blockchain framework that enables blockchain applications to be written and to run exactly as programmed without downtime, censorship, fraud or third party interference thus facilitating peer to peer, or network to public transactions or for building a new public or private network depending on use of access control and permissions for data.

The embedded smart contracts and decentralised network provided by integration of the digital ledger technology into the network 10 enhances the Internet of Things security and consistency. Since an outage in one area of the network 10 will not impact any other area within the network when using the digital ledger technology. Thus, continual connectivity can be achieved both within the network, allowing local processing to be implemented reliably, whilst also allowing for real time communication of key data with external systems. The distributed architecture of digital ledger technology, such as blockchain, provides the network 10 with Internet of Things device identification, authentication and seamless, secure, data transfers. Digital ledger technology can also increase network security by tracing sensor data measurements to prevent duplication with malicious data.

The use of the network 10 in communication between nodes can also allow for

implementation of digital twin systems. Digital twins are used widely in the oil and gas industry to provide a digital representation of an operation environment. Operating scenarios are run on the digital twin to develop a real understanding of the ramifications of the operating system. In a subsea cloud computing architecture, a precise digital twin may be deployed in a subsea cloud computing node and used as a digital template for the machine learning engine. Alternatively, a generic digital twin may be put in each subsea cloud computing node and this digital twin develops and evolves over time over data derived from that node and from other nodes within the subsea network such that the data twin is evolutionary. Then the digital twin architecture develops and evolves over time at two levels, firstly to develop the operating model itself and also to adapt over time to reflect the development of the network and the surrounding environment in which it is deployed and thus provide a new model which thus uses the outcome to develop new scenarios for real operating conditions.

In the communication system as shown in Figure 1, provision to each node 12, 14 of a power supply such as a battery having improved battery life which uses communications techniques to remain in an always ON condition, available to receive signals whilst consuming <lmW. A real-time clock is continuously running on nodes 12, 14 allowing the system to be wakened to take sensor readings, process data or transmit signals. Using a single D-cell, each device can remain in this mode for over 5 years.

For data communication a visual representation of the different performance parameters of optical, acoustic and electromagnetic communications systems are shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C. As is seen, wireless optical systems provide the highest communications bandwidth - up to lGbps as is shown by line 62 but are adversely impacted by water turbidity thus have limited effectiveness near land or air interfaces as is shown in Figure 2B. Acoustic systems deliver the greatest range, line 64 but are impacted by turbidity, aeration, thermoclines, acoustic noise and structures as shown in Figure 2B. Radio delivers up to 100Mbps over short ranges as shown by line 66 and at low bandwidths up to 40m through seawater. When radio transmission systems are placed near the seabed, range extends due to propagation through the seabed. Radio, or electromagnetic communication signals, uniquely propagates through but the water/seabed and water/air boundaries providing seamless communications from air to buried assets; electromagnetic communication is unaffected by turbidity, bubbles, thermoclines and biofouling making it a highly resilient communications medium in interface regions as shown in Figure 2B. Thus, acoustic and optical technologies are ideally suited for clear, open water and Seatooth radio for complex locations such as near the seabed, near the splash zone and littoral waters subject to turbidity and biofouling as is illustrated in Figure 2B.

The battery demands and relative battery lifespan relating to optical, acoustic and

electromagnetic communications are shown in Figure 2C. Acoustic communication is the most power greedy showing the shortest overall lifespan 74, with optical communication lifespan 76 using a significant amount of power and electromagnetic communications lifespan 78 using the least power. Long term reliability is a significant issue for subsea production systems. Acoustic and optical communications systems require penetrations in subsea enclosures. Electromagnetic communications systems can be supplied in sealed-for-life enclosures with no penetrations to deliver ultra-high system reliability.

Resilience of wireless communications is achieved using hybrid communication technologies as no single technology accommodates all requirements. Using a hybrid approach, low bandwidth radio and acoustic systems are deployed in an overlapping configuration. Radio nodes are, as is shown in Figure 1, arrange to form radio relays with the nodes spaced 200m- 500m apart, acoustic relays are spaced 2-3km apart with acoustic communications bubble 22 formed. Thus if one node electromagnetic communication system isn't functioning it can pick up acoustic data thus building resilience within the network.

The network can be deployed as two parallel sets of nodes 12, 14 as is shown in Figures 3 A and in detail in Figure 3B with each wireless node 12, 14 laid out as a series of

interconnecting equilateral triangles along central line 50 running through the middle. The array 11 can be distributed across a large seabed area, for example, as is shown in Figure 3A across the Thames Estuary from Margate to Felixstowe. Such an array 11 has two functions, firstly it provides communications resilience in the event of failure of a single node 12, 14. Second, the nodes 12, 14 provide a resilient navigation correction for AUVs acting like a set of 'cat's eyes' either side of the middle line 50 as is shown in Figure 3. Radio nodes 12 can be used as the primary communications method due to the lower overall power consumption and acoustic communications or optical communications are then available as a back-up.

ROVs and AUVs equipped with hybrid high speed radio and optical technologies can transfer large datasets between subsea wireless nodes, providing a further layer or resilience.

This architecture can deliver resilient subsea wireless networks that operate over 50- 100km or more.

Each node 12, 14 is self-contained, incorporating one or more sensors, datalogger and control functionality, batteries, and wireless communications enabling the nodes to create a interconnected communication network 10 underwater for a variety of different

environments. An example of this is oilwell 111 connected by a riser to an FSPO 134 and via a pipeline 110 to an oilrig, as is shown in Figure 4, the system can be provided with deployed nodes 12,14 to create a local area network which operates as a multi-parameter subsea internet of things systems.

The diagram of Figure 4 shows a section of a pipeline system, generally indicated using reference numeral 102, which is provided with a communication and monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pipeline system 102 comprises a pipeline 110 leading from a wellhead 111. The wellhead is provided with a wirelessly enabled subsea control module 114. The pipeline 110 is provided with wirelessly enable monitoring nodes 112, in this case two wirelessly enabled monitoring nodes 112A, 112B are provided. The pipeline 110 leads to riser 113A which takes the hydrocarbon fluid to rig 140. The wellhead 111 can also be connected by riser 113B to FSPO 134. The monitoring nodes 112 are designed to monitor flow within the pipeline 110 as well as monitoring in pipe temperature and surrounding sea temperature. The temperature of the extracted hydrocarbon fluid flowing through pipeline 110 can effect the flow of the fluid and in some cases, encourage the build up of hydrate 120 in the pipeline. Stratified flow can occur wherein the temperature of the slower moving liquids at the bottom of a pipe can differ considerable from the gas flow above and this can have a deleterious effect upon flow by encouraging hydrate build up as well as causing problems of variable corrosion within the pipe circumference.

Using retrofittable or integrated monitoring nodes 112 the flow within the pipeline can be measured effectively using, for example, ultrasonic flow measuring techniques. In addition, pipelogging mechanisms can implement a measure of the temperature within the pipeline in order for a real time understanding of the flow within the pipe to be obtained.

Further to this, the monitoring nodes 112 are able to measure temperature of the sea surrounding the node 112 and thus real time sensed data of one or more of the data relating to internal pipe temperature, surrounding sea temperature and flow within the pipe can be provided to the node processor and control data based on real time environmental data can be generated. In addition, a seabed monitoring unit 147 is located near system 110 and can communicate with the system via the transceiver in node 112 provided disposed on monitoring unit 147.

The communications unit within the node 112 enables the control data to be wirelessly transmitted using the digital leger protocols as discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The data transmitted from nodes 112 may be transmitted to the control centre which in this case is located on the rig 140 upon confirmation of the appropriate authentication key. The nodes 112 may be integrated within a closed loop process control system with

communication units within nodes 112 providing control data to the wellhead control module 114 directly enabling local implementation of any required adjustments. It will be appreciated that whilst this embodiment details the network with regards to a subsea system environment, the system could similarly be in an underground environment or any other remote or difficult to access environment including in space.

The provision of two or more monitoring nodes 112 can enable a distributed monitoring system, in this case monitoring temperature and in-pipe flow, thus enabling identification of local real time data from different sections 110A and 11 OB of the pipe 110. The data collected by monitoring nodes 112 can then be applied to control decisions across the pipeline system 102. The data recorded by modules 112 can be transmitted to subsea control module (SCM) 114. This distributed monitoring system means that local hot or cold spots can be identified, and their effect mitigated by the process control system embedded within the SCM 114. The model for operation of process control can be enhanced by the collection of real time data resulting in improved control of safety factor data, offline model correction and dynamic modelling.

Wireless communication of the nodes 112 enhances the timeliness of critical information transmission and the use of digital ledger technology within the system enables rigor and transparency of data management. The SCM114 is then able to process the received data. It will be appreciated that a diver 137, AUV 138 or ROV 139 could also harvest data from the network 210.

The communication network herein can provide a greater understanding of integrity, for example, pipeline integrity, the structural performance is increasingly important in understanding the asset lifespan. Network apparatus enables observation, measurement, monitoring and data transmission whether the pipeline is underwater, underground or in open air. In underwater environments, deployment and retrieval of underwater vehicles to collect or obtain data can be a costly and timely process and, in circumstances where real time data is required quickly and effectively, the cost and time delay of deploying an underwater vehicle from the surface and be both too expensive and potentially too slow using traditional systems however this is overcome with the network of the present invention. Similar issues exist in underground environments or environments such as outer space where remote positioning makes physical retrieval of data difficult, timely and costly using traditional techniques. The network improves the ability of the systems to retain the privacy of data during the communication process. Looking specifically at a riser, more effective monitoring and management of a range of factors that impact the useful life of a structure, these include: fatigue due to movement (eg storms, water currents/VIV, self-induced flow movements/FIV etc), fatigue due to temperature, corrosion dur to oxidation from outside, internal corrosion due to the process, and process conditions including slugging, changes in water cut and the communication network of the present invention can monitor these in order to optimise structures and systems for maximum throughput or extended life not only for risers, but also other subsea structures such as oil platforms, offshore windmills or the like, or underground structures or structures which are deployed into the atmosphere or outerspace.

In addition, subsea internet of things nodes can be provided with multi-parameter sensor technology and hybrid communications capability to enable integration of the technology throughout the system. For example, in Figures 5a - 5c there is shown multi-parameter sensor and communication technology embedded in pipeline monitoring unit 40 which is simple to deploy and recover.

The pipeline monitoring unit 40 can be an example of a sensor module 12 deployed in the network 10 which is operable to sense data in a predetermined manner, process the data locally within the pipelogger prior to onward transmission using one or more of

electromagnetic 16, optical 17 and acoustic 18 data carrying signals. The pipelogger 40 has a housing 41 within which is embedded multiparameter sensor 42 which is operable to monitor movement, depth, temperature (process and seawater), process flow (ultrasonic flow), corrosion (ultrasonic thickness and cathodic protection) and water current. Data can be stored locally within a memory module 43 contained within the pipelogger 40 and local processing, carried out by a processor 44 contained within the pipelogger 40 can act upon large amounts of sensed data to develop critical information for onward transmission as antenna 45 can be used to transmit data wirelessly. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCAD A) facilitated by nodes 12, 14 in the subsea environment can use wireless communication enabled peripheral subsea sensor devices to gather data on environmental criteria and use hybrid wireless communication techniques to communicate feedback and control data across a local sensor network. Such local SCADA system processing enables real-time monitoring and local predictive model correction capabilities to facilitate artificial intelligence subsea system optimisation.

The pipelogger 40 can incorporate a sensor set, can be adapted to suit any pipe size, with deployment and recovery mechanisms which enable swift implementation and optimised power requirements to minimize power consumption. The pipelogger in this embodiment incorporates a capable target computer designed to accommodate data analytics algorithms.

In Figure 6 an alternative sensor node 12 is shown, which in this case is a seabed sensor node 140 having a battery (not shown), processor (not shown), sensor 142, antenna 145 connected to transceiver (not shown) and which is operable to sense environmental data from it's position on the seabed 13.

Subsea cloud computing architectures facilitate a great leap forward for subsea automation, enabling the use of the latest control, IoT, analytics and Cloud Computing technologies and techniques. Given the subsea automation environment is does not presently have competing databases and standards, it has the potential to move from lagging to leading position. SCC and SIoT will deliver step reductions in costs through increased production throughput, reduced downtime, extended asset life, reduced operating costs and reduced inspection costs.

Predictive models of key cost drivers including flow, fatigue and corrosion will be corrected in situ leading to near term operating benefits and significant capital cost reductions for future installations

The Subsea Cloud Computing architecture provides for databases to be permanently resident at the seabed and for wireless communications. Security is important to the networking system and use of Blockchain and related technologies will provide a secure, future-proof open architecture.

Each SIoT node can incorporate standard sensors e.g temperature, flow, vibration and corrosion (UT) sensors with sensor data collected at intervals relevant to the process for oil and gas production as well as other similar relevant sensors for other industries such as wind, wave or tidal power generation, aquaculture or defense. Local data analytics can be incorporated into each SIoT node to correct flow (OLGA) models for oil and gas production and fatigue models for all industries as appropriate. Security (eg Blockchain) can be integrated within each SIOT node to manage data set transfers. Two-way data

communications between AUV and each SIoT node can be implemented using hybrid high speed radio and optical technologies. Sensors integrated into the SIoT nodes can be designed to have a sensor sampling interval/duty cycle with local analytics on data such as flow assurance, fatigue, and corrosion model correction.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof.