Subsea Megatrends for 2025 and Beyond

The maritime, subsea, and offshore energy sectors are evolving at breakneck speed, driven by emerging technologies and shifting global priorities. Rear Admiral (ret.) Tim Gallaudet, oceanographer, former NOAA administrator, and veteran Navy leader, joined Marine Technology TV to discuss the megatrends shaping subsea technology in 2025 and beyond. From artificial intelligence to autonomous systems and sustainability, Gallaudet shared his expert perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

A Career Anchored in the Oceans

Gallaudet began by reflecting on his career, which spans 32 years in the U.S. Navy as an oceanographer and leadership roles at NOAA. "I had the privilege of supporting submarine forces in the Arctic, working with Navy SEAL teams, and serving on an aircraft carrier during combat operations. My time as NOAA administrator allowed me to oversee critical environmental missions," Gallaudet said. Now, he advises startups, nonprofits, and research institutions like Scripps and Woods Hole on innovative ocean solutions.

Trends Driving Ocean Data Collection, Dissemination, and Processing

Undersea cables transmit 99% of the information that our economy and national defense depends on. - RADM (ret.) Tim Gallaudet in stressing the importance of subsea security

According to Gallaudet, autonomy and artificial intelligence the drivers in the subsea sector today, radically transforming how we collect and interpret ocean data. "We’re seeing the rise of drones across all domains—surface, subsea, and aerial—used for mapping, monitoring, and even defense operations," he noted. The proliferation of low-Earth orbit satellites and advancements in areas such as undersea data hubs, such as recharge and relay nodes, are also key.

In terms of processing, AI is taking center stage. "The Stargate data center initiative will revolutionize how we analyze vast amounts of ocean data," Gallaudet explained. These advancements will enhance marine biology research, climate modeling, and economic applications like seaport efficiency and offshore energy production.

Looking further ahead, beyond 2025, Gallaudet said that “quantum communications is going to be the next big dissemination trend. It's still in its infancy but we are already seeing operational quantum devices like Exail's gravimeter that's an operational quantum device, so expect that to be in the next decade mainstream.”

Defending Critical Undersea Infrastructure

With 99% of global information transmitted via undersea cables, protecting subsea infrastructure is critical. Gallaudet highlighted the increasing role of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in safeguarding cables and pipelines. "The U.S., through partnerships like AUKUS, is investing in technologies like Kongsberg’s HUGIN Superior AUV to enhance maritime domain awareness and counter potential threats," he said.

Commerce, Defense, and Science Drivers in 2025

In the area of commerce, Gallaudet emphasized the shift toward sustainable practices, including offshore wind, solar, and nuclear energy, as well as efforts to reduce seafood trade deficits through aquaculture. However, he cautioned against the environmental risks of deep-sea mining, urging a careful approach as there are still many questions to the long-term effects on the environment.

Subsea defense has come to the fore of late with malicious actors effectively damaging and destroying critical subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region and also off of Tawain. He noted the previous president’s administration fast-forwarded the Replicator initiative, which is set to deploy thousands of drones to counter threats, particularly China and in the Pacific. Gallaudet also advocated for reinvigorating U.S. shipbuilding capabilities to bolster maritime security.

Finally, the third leg of the subsea sector is science, and he stressed that exploration and mapping remain paramount, with 75% of the seabed unmapped to modern standards. Gallaudet predicts that AI and autonomy will drive discoveries in geophysics, biology, and climate research, unlocking the ocean’s full potential.

The Role of AI and Autonomy

"AI is reshaping every sector, but it’s particularly transformative in the ocean industry," Gallaudet said. He emphasized the synergy between AI and autonomy, from enhancing port operations to enabling autonomous ships. "These technologies are helping us collect, analyze, and act on data in ways we couldn’t before, creating opportunities for efficiency and innovation."

Leadership Insights

Gallaudet has a new book with a lifetime of leadership guidance, Holding Fast in Heavy Seas: Leadership in Turbulent Times, set for release in August 2025. "It’s a leadership guide based on my experiences in the Navy and at NOAA. I hope it inspires others navigating complex challenges," he said.

As the subsea industry sails into 2025 and beyond, Gallaudet’s insights underscore a future defined by technology, sustainability and global collaboration via advanced AUVs, AI and resilient infrastructure