State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company Pioneers Airborne Magnetic Detection for Rapid Intertidal Submarine Cable Localization
Zhou Shan, China, 18th Mar 2025 – The young R&D team of State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company has successfully applied “aero-magnetic detection technology” to achieve rapid positioning of submarine cables in intertidal zones, offering an innovative solution for this long-standing challenge. This breakthrough integrates high-sensitivity magnetic field detection, stable aerial platform control, and multi-source data processing, marking a critical step forward in expanding the scope and precision of submarine cable localization.
Intertidal submarine cable detection has historically been a uncharted territory for conventional methods, plagued by the dilemma of ” vessels cannot access and manual operations are extremely challenging.” Traditional sonar struggles in silt-covered areas, while manual inspections are inefficient and high-risk. To address this, the company deployed “drones equipped with high-precision magnetometers” to capture magnetic field variations generated by energized submarine cables. Combined with an “acoustic-optical-magnetic” multi-modal fusion algorithm, the system penetrates shallow silt layers to rapidly identify cable magnetic signatures.
The team further enhanced accuracy by integrating “gyroscope-based attitude correction” and real-time magnetic data analysis, enabling autonomous path planning for drones to follow cable routes. “Vector magnetometers” provide instant directional feedback, achieving “smart navigation” during surveys. Additionally, small unmanned surface vessels (USVs) were deployed to synchronize aerial magnetic data with a “3D submarine cable routing database”, ensuring precision across complex environments.
The team further improved accuracy by combining gyroscope-based attitude correction with real-time magnetic data analysis, enabling drones to autonomously plan and adjust their flight paths along cable routes. Moreover, vector magnetometers deliver immediate directional feedback to support intelligent navigation during surveys. Additionally, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) were deployed to integrate aerial magnetic data into a comprehensive 3D submarine cable routing database, ensuring high precision even in complex environments.
In recent trials, the Airborne Magnetic Detection technology successfully located cables in shallow intertidal zones. However, traditional sonar methods, reliant on tidal conditions, previously required days to complete such tasks, while the new system accomplishes this in mere hours. The technology also extends coverage to intricate shallow areas unreachable by conventional vessels, Significantly reduce human resources and operation and maintenance costs..
In recent trials, cables in shallow intertidal zones were successfully located with the Airborne Magnetic Detection technology . Traditional sonar methods, which rely on tidal conditions, requires days to complete such tasks; however, the new system accomplishes the same in less hours. Moreover, the technology extends its coverage to complex shallow areas that conventional vessels cannot reach, thereby significantly reducing both manpower requirements and operation and maintenance costs.
The next phase of development will incorporate “artificial intelligence (AI)” and “5G communication” to enable fully autonomous navigation and real-time data transmission. One from the R&D team emphasized: “This technological leap not only improves submarine cable O&M but also enhances the efficiency and scalability of national megaprojects, including offshore wind farms and cross-sea power grids. We remain committed to further refining this innovation to unlock its full potential.”
By overcoming the challenges of intertidal cable detection, State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company has set a new benchmark in the field of marine infrastructure management. This breakthrough offers safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions for coastal power networks and renewable energy systems worldwide.
Media Contact
Organization: ZHEJIANG ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION
Contact Person: Yuqing Fu
Website: https://www.zj.sgcc.com.cn
Email: Send Email
City: Zhou Shan
Country: China
Release Id: 18032525271