Designed for rapid iteration and real-world deployment, WHOI's brand new, state-of-the-art Secure Underwater Research Facility (SURF) enables partners to conduct classified work while leveraging WHOI's broader expertise across laboratory, dockside, and field settings.
A national asset with endless possibilities
SURF provides more than just secure infrastructure: it offers a gateway to WHOI's research, engineering and deployment ecosystem and expertise.
Whether you're looking for a state-of-the-art environment for testing and development or interested in collaborating with WHOI scientists and engineers on a longer, multi-phase project, we've got a solution for you.
ONE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT, MULTIPLE BENEFITS
01 Full lifecycle in one secure facility
02 Faster iteration cycles
03 Reduced operational friction
04 Secure open storage
05 Direct access to WHOI expertise
06 Field deployment capabilities
SURF Capabilities
SURF supports the full lifecycle of system development, combining secure
infrastructure with access to WHOI's engineering and operational capabilities.
Secure, Open-Storage Facility
The facility was built under DCSA requirements for classified work, allowing systems, equipment, and data to remain securely in place between development cycles. At SURF, teams can work more efficiently, avoid repeated setup and teardown, and maintain continuity throughout the entire development process.
Flexible Engagement Models
Whether you need a week of testing, a year-long development program, or a strategic research partnership, SURF is built to support a range of mission needs—from facility access and technical validation to long-term collaborative engagements.
Ocean Access
Develop, test, analyze, and return to the water without the logistical delays typically associated with classified programs. Teams can move from secure engineering spaces to waterfront testing in minutes, enabling rapid iteration and real-world validation.
WHOI Expertise
Leverage decades of leadership in ocean science, autonomy, robotics, sensing, communications, and undersea systems. SURF users can tap into the knowledge, facilities, and capabilities of one of the world's leading oceanographic institutions.
Fully-Integrated End-To-End Workflow
Engineering, testing, and collaboration happen within one secure facility, reducing operational friction and accelerating development from concept through deployment.
Controlled Underwater Testing
SURF's five-ton overhead crane and 24-foot test tank enable controlled, in-facility testing of underwater components and subsystems before transitioning seamlessly to dockside and ocean-based validation.
Real-Time Analysis & Modeling
Conduct software development, simulation, modeling, data analysis, and mission planning within the same secure environment where testing occurs.
Secure Collaboration
A dedicated conference room for up to 25 people, supporting classified meetings and technical reviews.
1,563 sq. ft.
high-bay engineering space
28 ft
hook height
24 ft
integrated test tank
5 ton
overhead crane
OUR FACILITY
Purpose-built to support fully secure undersea RDT&E
Advance your undersea technology in a secure, integrated environment.
Supports large-scale engineering and system integration.
- 1,563 sq. ft.
- 28-foot hook height
- 5-ton overhead crane
- Secure equipment staging
- Reconfigurable engineering workstations
USE CASES
Built for a wide range of undersea missions
Autonomous underwater vehicles
Undersea sensing & surveillance
Maritime communications
AI-Enabled ocean systems
Defense prototyping
Government & industry collaboration
Ways to engage
Whether you need a week of testing, a year-long development program, or a strategic
research partnership, SURF supports a range of mission needs.
Facility access
Bring your team and your technology. Utilize SURF's secure infrastructure, testing capabilities, and operational support.
Collaborative research
Partner directly with WHOI scientists and engineers to accelerate development and solve complex undersea challenges.
Long-term programs
Establish sustained access for multi-phase development, testing, and mission-focused innovation.
Frequently asked questions
The Secure Underwater Research Facility (SURF) is a secure research and engineering facility at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) that supports classified tank testing, engineering development, experimentation, data analysis, and technical collaboration.
SURF includes:
More than 1,500 square feet of high-bay engineering space with a 28-foot hook height.
- A test tank for underwater systems evaluation and experimentation
- Reconfigurable engineering and experimental workstations
- A dedicated "coding mezzanine" equipped with analytical workstations
- A conference room accommodating up to 25 personnel
- Five stand-alone classified workstations
- Mobile laboratory benches and standard laboratory tools
The facility is designed to support secure technical operations at classification levels up to SECRET.