The Elefsis Pilot
The Elefsis Pilot

From Research to Implementation: The Elefsis Pilot

The Elefsis pilot, conducted on 16–17 March 2026, marks the successful completion of the first use-case execution within the Greek pilot schedule, a milestone that brings the SMAUG vision decisively closer to operational reality.

The Location

The Port of Elefsis presents a uniquely complex security environment. Its geography, with nearby shipwrecks and a mix of commercial and industrial traffic, creates conditions conducive to illicit activity. Past incidents have demonstrated real vulnerabilities related to illicit underwater activities: concealed contraband, explosive devices, and unauthorised divers operating in the blind spots of conventional port surveillance systems.

The Elefsis Port Authority opened its infrastructure and facilitated full operational access, creating the conditions for a realistic, multi-partner deployment. Without their collaboration and logistical support, the pilot could not have taken place.

The Scenario

The pilot unfolded around a carefully constructed operational scenario. During daytime hours, a fast RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) approaches a stern-moored vessel, exploiting the local geography and the cover of nearby abandoned shipwrecks.

The objective: use the wrecks as staging points to discreetly transport contraband into the dockyard.

Hydrophones deployed by the University of Piraeus Research Center, enhanced by additional units and acoustic signal-processing expertise from Universidad Politecnica De Madrid, detect the vessel's acoustic signature and trigger an alert. A UAV is immediately launched to visually identify the craft from above. Simultaneously, the USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) performs a rapid sonar scan of the wreck's hull. ATHANOR's AIS module correlates vessel activity with identification data, building a real-time maritime picture.

To complete the inspection, an ROV equipped with multibeam sonar dives beneath the surface to scan the submerged sections of both wrecks.

The result: a concealed box is located. The Hellenic Coast Guard intervenes and takes control of the operation.

This multi-layered response, with acoustic detection, aerial observation, hull scanning, underwater inspection, and cross- referenced vessel identification, is precisely what SMAUG was designed to deliver.

The Technologies

The Elefsis pilot brought together SMAUG’s advanced technologies operating in concert:

Hydrophones
(acoustic detection)

UAV
(aerial visual identification)

USV
(autonomous surface scanning)

ROV
with multibeam sonar

AIS
vessel identification module

Satellite
detection capabilities

Integrated
data platform

Acoustic
signal processing

Each technology contributed a distinct layer of awareness, and the SMAUG platform fused them into a coherent, actionable operational picture managed and monitored through FAVIT's data platform.

“The SMAUG project is being developed at exactly the right time, in order to contribute to the timely identification of threats in the EU maritime domain.”

Vasileios Mpikakis — Harbour Master, Elefsis Port Authority

The Reflection

Despite challenging weather conditions at the port, all partners demonstrated exceptional determination and collaborative spirit, which led to SMAUG's pilot's success. Special recognition goes to Elefsis Port Authority and the University of Piraeus Research Center for the outstanding organisation and hosting of the event, their commitment was instrumental in making the pilot a success.

The Greek Use Case didn’t end at Elefsis. The SMAUG team moved directly to Heraklion, Crete, where the Port of Heraklion, a high-traffic commercial and passenger gateway, presented a complementary and equally demanding operational environment.

SMAUG testing

This video features a testimony from a representative of the local service in Elefsina, describing the results of the tests carried out with the SMAUG programme. The statement highlights the potential of the developed technology to enhance the effectiveness of operational activities and to support faster response times.

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