PlanBlue delivers next-level seafloor intelligence by uniquely fusing RGB, hyperspectral, and geospatial data to accelerate time-to-data and improve decision-making, enhancing monitoring of critical underwater infrastructure, strengthening classification of anomalies or threats, and support environmental assessments across civil and defense applications.

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Following our [recent campaign](https://www.planblue.com/articles/enhancing-underwater-threat-dectection) at Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH ([DFKI](https://www.dfki.de/web)), we’re excited to share an early look at how our hyperspectral data products can support the verification phase in Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Mine Countermeasures (MCM) operations.

![3D model of geo-referenced high-resolution orthophoto](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/2025_11_18_UXO_Test_2_1acc7d04dd.jpg)
 
Large-area mapping systems, such as sonar, LiDAR, and MBES, play a crucial role in detecting potential threats and anomalies on the seafloor. However, confirming what these contacts actually are often relies on close-up inspections with ROV-mounted cameras. This verification step is typically the most time-consuming and resource-heavy part of the process.
 
Our latest results show how spectral intelligence can add value during this stage. By highlighting features such as corrosion patterns (see example below), sediment colour changes, or benthic cyanobacterial mats, hyperspectral imaging can offer additional clues that help narrow down which targets warrant immediate attention. The goal is to give operators more context so they can focus on real threats rather than benign objects.
 
![Left: Geo-referenced high-resolution orthophoto. Right: Orthophoto with corrosion patterns](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/2025_11_18_UXO_Test_2_1_d19becff3b.jpg)
 
Our mission is to deliver data layers that make missions faster, safer and more cost-effective across defence and dual-use applications.

Following our recent campaign at @DFKI, we’re excited to share an early look at how our hyperspectral data products can support the verification phase in Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Mine Countermeasures (MCM) operations.

Advancing UXO & MCM Verification with Hyperspectral Intelligence

**PlanBlue is advancing maritime security with its cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology to improve close-range verification of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other underwater anomalies.**

![Testing PlanBlue's hyperspectral technology above different UXO's and materials / Video ©DFKI](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/DKFI_UXO_TEST_HEADER_4d3d97416b.jpg)

By providing detailed optical data on seafloor composition and object characteristics, hyperspectral imaging can help distinguish true threats from harmless materials, thereby reducing false positives and improving the safety and efficiency of subsea inspections.


Our data complements traditional wide-area survey tools (e.g. magnetometer, side-scan-sonar, MBES), adding a powerful layer of spectral intelligence for precise threat identification and decision-making. Initially focused on the Baltic and North Seas, this work aims to support safe seabed clearance, a key enabler for offshore wind expansion and environmental protection.

[PlanBlue's hyperspectral technology above different UXO's and materials. ©PlanBlue](https://www.youtube.com/embed/TLnjvctxJus?si=m5E5XNaRsHtcKLdB)

![PlanBlue Engineering Team at DFKI Bremen, preparing and executing several tests.](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/UXO_TEST_DFKI_3_8d7d0f6462.jpg)

We thank [DFKI](https://www.dfki.de/web) for their continued collaboration in advancing this critical capability for secure and sustainable ocean infrastructure!

PlanBlue is advancing maritime security with its cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology to improve close-range verification of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other underwater anomalies.

Enhancing underwater threat detection through hyperspectral imaging

![](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/Picture_partnership_Plan_Blue_Orpheus_Ocean_1_91b4551f3d.jpg)
_Bremen, Germany / New Bedford, MA, USA – 6 November 2025_

PlanBlue and Orpheus Ocean are proud to announce their strategic partnership to advance sustainable seafloor intelligence into the deep sea.

PlanBlue, a pioneer in AI-driven seafloor intelligence using advanced imaging, and Orpheus Ocean, developing scalable deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), are joining forces to deliver high-resolution, ground-truth data for the world’s most critical deep ocean environments.

The partnership focuses on three essential domains: maritime security, offshore infrastructure, and marine resources. These domains are increasingly central to global sustainability and security. As nations and industries face growing challenges beneath the waves, from the environmental impact of seabed mining to the urgent need to protect maritime infrastructure and security, this collaboration aims to set a new benchmark in how seafloor data is captured, analyzed, and applied.

Together, PlanBlue and Orpheus Ocean will support the monitoring of critical underwater infrastructure (e.g, cables, pipelines) and offshore energy assets, while also enabling environmental assessments that guide responsible resource management. By integrating PlanBlue’s advanced imaging (hyperspectral & RGB) and AI analytics with Orpheus Ocean’s deep-rated benthic AUV platforms, the partnership aims to provide scalable, repeatable monitoring of the seafloor, offering unprecedented insight into the health and status of deep-sea ecosystems and infrastructure.

Joost den Haan, CEO and Co-founder of PlanBlue, said:
_“By partnering with Orpheus Ocean, we’re extending our capabilities into the deep sea to generate intelligence needed to make better decisions, including the protection of the seafloor while enabling responsible economic activity. Our goal is to ensure that progress beneath the waves is guided by knowledge, not assumption.”_

Jake Russell, CEO and Founder of Orpheus Ocean, added:
_“Our mission at Orpheus is to illuminate the deep, and PlanBlue’s advanced imaging system is one very powerful way to do that. We’re proud to partner with a global leader in this technology and deploy it in new, challenging, yet critical environments.”_

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**About Orpheus Ocean**

Orpheus Ocean is a Massachusetts-based technology company dedicated to changing how humanity understands, monitors, and protects the deep ocean. Founded in 2024 and built upon decades of oceanographic experience, Orpheus Ocean builds and operates autonomous underwater vehicles that enable scalable, affordable access to seafloor environments for blue economy sectors from marine resources to seabed infrastructure.
Dive in at [www.orpheusocean.com](https://www.orpheusocean.com)


**About PlanBlue**

Based in Bremen, Germany, PlanBlue is pioneering AI-driven seafloor intelligence by combining hyperspectral and RGB imaging with underwater geo-referencing. Its dual-use technology, suitable for both civilian and defense use, delivers ground-truth, high-resolution seafloor data in the highest detail at scale, supporting maritime security, offshore infrastructure, and seafloor restoration and preservation. Learn more at www.planblue.com.
[PlanBlue](/)

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Media Contacts:

**PlanBlue**: Pascal Seul

[media@planblue.com](mailto:media@planblue.com)

+49 421 2208120

**Orpheus Ocean**: Jake Russell

[info@orpheusocean.com](mailto:info@orpheusocean.com)





PlanBlue and Orpheus Ocean join forces to advance sustainable seafloor intelligence into the deep sea

![](https://jagged-fortunate-stamp.media.strapiapp.com/2025_10_07_Plan_Blue_bedrock_partnership_5faad50726.jpg)
_San Francisco (US) / Bremen (Germany), October 08, 2025_

Bedrock Ocean Exploration and PlanBlue today announced a new strategic partnership that combines Bedrock’s advanced autonomous survey technology with PlanBlue’s AI-driven seafloor intelligence. By aligning their complementary capabilities, the two companies will deliver a new generation of decision-ready ocean data to accelerate infrastructure development, support maritime security, strengthen coastal resilience, and support environmental stewardship.

Bedrock operates a fleet of compact, fully electric autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that capture high-resolution bathymetry with minimal environmental footprint. Through its Mosaic platform, Bedrock provides direct access to survey data with real-time quality control and rapid cloud delivery. 

PlanBlue’s underwater hyperspectral imaging, enhanced by AI, transforms seafloor imagery into actionable intelligence. The technology delivers dual-use capabilities in a single mission: precise assessments of ecosystem health, biodiversity, carbon stocks, and habitat classification, alongside advanced material detection that supports both infrastructure assessments and maritime security. This integration unlocks unprecedented time and cost efficiency for environmental monitoring and beyond.

The integration of Bedrock’s survey capacity with PlanBlue’s analytics will significantly shorten the path from data acquisition to actionable insight. 

This collaboration enables clients in offshore wind, subsea cable and pipeline routing, port development, coastal protection and maritime security to access critical environmental and operational information faster and more efficiently than ever before. Both companies emphasize that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to lowering the ecological footprint of marine development while supporting global goals such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science.

_“This partnership is an important milestone in our mission to deliver scalable, high-fidelity ocean intelligence, and stress test our rapid ability to field new payloads and capabilities with our platforms,”_ said Charles, CEO, Bedrock. _“By embedding PlanBlue’s payload and analytics into our survey ecosystem, we can provide clients with not just data, but insight, faster, cleaner, and with lower risk to marine ecosystems.”_

_“We are excited to partner with Bedrock to bring seafloor intelligence to the forefront of sustainable marine development,”_ added Dr. Hannah Brocke, Co-founder & CSO, PlanBlue. _“Harnessing Bedrock’s agile platform together with PlanBlue’s underwater hyperspectral imaging and its automated analytics will help clients make better decisions, reduce environmental impacts, and drive progress toward healthier oceans.”_

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**About Bedrock**

Bedrock is pioneering a vertically integrated ocean survey platform, combining compact, fully electric AUVs with a cloud-based data delivery system (Mosaic). Its design emphasizes rapid mobilization, minimized permitting hurdles, and reduced environmental disturbance. Bedrock provides services across energy & infrastructure (pre-construction, operations, decommissioning), marine research, coastal resilience, and maritime security. 
[Bedrock Ocean Exploration](https://www.bedrockocean.com)


**About PlanBlue**

PlanBlue is a deep tech company delivering fully automated seafloor intelligence. From a single survey, its AI-powered software infers ecosystem health, biodiversity, carbon stock, habitat classification, and identifies anomalies such as plastics, corrosion, or seabed hazards. PlanBlue’s insights support smart development, conservation, and monitoring in marine and coastal environments.
[PlanBlue](https://www.planblue.com)

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Media Contacts:

**Bedrock**: Vanlu Madarame

[press@bedrockocean.com](mailto:press@bedrockocean.com)

**PlanBlue**: Pascal Seul

[media@planblue.com](mailto:media@planblue.com)

+49 421 2208120




Fully-automated seafloor intelligence

More insight from every deployment

Next-generation seafloor intelligence

A versatile solution across key industries

News and Stories

Advancing UXO & MCM Verification with Hyperspectral Intelligence

Enhancing underwater threat detection through hyperspectral imaging

PlanBlue and Orpheus Ocean join forces to advance sustainable seafloor intelligence into the deep sea

Bedrock and PlanBlue form strategic alliance to advance high-resolution seafloor intelligence for sustainable ocean infrastructure

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