A British start-up, Deep, is working on an ambitious project to establish a permanent human presence in the ocean by 2027. The company is developing advanced submersibles and underwater stations, known as Sentinels, to support long-term habitation. While the project aims to push the boundaries of ocean exploration, its funding source remains a mystery. An anonymous investor has reportedly committed hundreds of millions of pounds to make the vision a reality.
Limited-time Amazon deals – don’t miss out!
A Plan for Permanent Ocean Settlements
Deep envisions a future where humans can live permanently beneath the ocean’s surface. The company is developing modular underwater habitats that will be placed at depths of up to 200 meters. Initially designed for scientific research and marine exploration, these structures could pave the way for self-sustaining underwater colonies. Chief Operating Officer Mike Shackleford stated, “Our goal is to live in the ocean permanently and establish human settlements in all the world’s oceans.”
Mysterious Investment Raises Questions
The financial backing behind Deep is shrouded in secrecy. According to The Guardian, the project is supported by a single unidentified investor with significant financial resources. While reports suggest an investment of hundreds of millions of pounds, the exact amount remains undisclosed. Despite this secrecy, Deep is making progress, with its first prototype facility already under construction in the UK.
A Full-Scale Prototype in Development
In Gloucestershire, UK, Deep is building a full-scale model of its planned underwater habitat. The facility includes a six-meter-wide dome with panoramic windows, designed to immerse inhabitants in the oceanic environment. The project is being developed at a 70-hectare site featuring an 80-meter-deep flooded quarry, where Deep will test its submersibles and train future underwater residents. The estimated cost for this initial phase alone is ÂŁ100 million.
Challenges and Unanswered Questions
While Deep’s project is progressing, numerous technical and environmental challenges remain. Questions persist about the long-term viability of underwater habitation, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the legal framework for permanent ocean settlements. The plan to establish a fully operational colony within three years seems highly ambitious, given the complexity of deep-sea engineering.
Deep’s ambitious plan to establish permanent underwater colonies represents a bold step in ocean exploration, but significant technical, environmental, and regulatory challenges remain. While the project has secured substantial funding and is progressing rapidly, its long-term feasibility is still uncertain. If successful, it could redefine how humans interact with and inhabit the world’s oceans.
Could underwater colonies become a reality in the near future? What challenges must be overcome to make permanent ocean settlements viable?
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.