Construction of underwater research facility

Proteus Ocean Group, a private sector social enterprise, has selected Italy-based engineering firm Drass Group as its Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) partner for the construction of Proteus, an underwater research facility.

The project will feature the first underwater greenhouse (Photo: Proteus Ocean Group website)

Drass Group specialises in subsea and hyperbaric technologies and will help consult Proteus Ocean Group on the design, construction, and onsite installation of the project.

The facility is said to feature research labs for onsite experimentation, a full-scale video production facility for media and continuous live stream educational programming, and a moon pool to provide researchers with seamless access to the ocean.

It will also include the first underwater greenhouse and social areas, workspaces, and sleeping quarters for up to 20 occupants.

“Inspired by the work of the explorers and builders before us, Proteus will play a vital role in the conservation and understanding of our oceans, furthering ocean science, enabling exploration and establishing the human ocean connection needed to inspire future generations to protect humanity’s source of life,” said Fabien Cousteau, founder, Proteus Ocean Group. 

Located off the coast of Curaçao, an island north of Venezuela, the research facility aims to enable researchers, academics, government and private industries, media, and private aquanauts to spend more time at depth. 

The installation of Proteus is expected to begin in 2025.