“The Goal Is to Live in the Ocean, Forever”: Inside the Aspiring Plan to Build a Permanent Underwater Settlement
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At an old limestone quarry in Chepstow, england, a mysterious benefactor is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into a groundbreaking project that could change humanity’s relationship with the ocean. Known as “Deep”, the initiative aims to establish a “permanent human presence” beneath the waves by 2027. This audacious plan includes a training school, accommodation units, and transport submersibles designed to ferry scientists—and eventually, wealthy individuals—to and from the underwater settlement.
According to Deep’s chief operating officer, Mike Shackleford, the project’s lodging units, called “Sentinels,” will initially house multiple people for up to 28 days at a time. The long-term vision, however, is far more ambitious. “The goal is to live in the ocean, forever,” Shackleford told the Guardian. “To have permanent human settlements in all oceans across the world.”
Deep Pockets and a Mysterious Backer
While Shackleford and other team members have been vocal about their aspirations, the identity of the project’s primary financier remains shrouded in secrecy. Spokespeople for Deep have declined to name the individual or entity funding the endeavor, only revealing that the investment exceeds the nearly $125 million already poured into the training campus at the quarry. This enigmatic benefactor is reportedly driven by a desire to increase “understanding of the ocean and its critical role for humanity,” reigniting a race between space and ocean exploration that, in Shackleford’s words, “space won out.”
The project also seeks to address the shadow cast over the submersible industry by the 2023 Titan tragedy. Deep’s diving and training lead, Phil Short, emphasized that the company is collaborating with Norway’s Det Norske Veritas (DNV) risk assessment agency to ensure safety and compliance. “DNV are approving every potential design, manufacture, and testing capability of our systems from day one,” Short said. “So, when we finaly get this built and we’re about to drop it in the water, it will be fully certified in class.”
Breaking New Ground
Deep’s vision is not just about exploration—it’s about redefining humanity’s future. The project’s training facility in Chepstow is already operational, preparing scientists and future residents for life underwater. The Sentinels, designed for extended stays, are a critical component of this vision. While initial stays will last up to 28 days, the ultimate goal is to enable indefinite habitation beneath the waves.
This initiative comes at a time when interest in underwater exploration is surging, with discoveries like the evidence of a “lost world” under the Pacific Ocean capturing global attention. Deep’s project, however, goes beyond exploration, aiming to create a sustainable, long-term human presence in the ocean.
| Location | Chepstow, England (training facility) |
|---|---|
| Goal | Establish a permanent human presence underwater by 2027 |
| Investment | Over $125 million (and counting) |
| Lodging Units | “Sentinels” for 28-day stays (initially) |
| Safety Partner | Det Norske Veritas (DNV) |
as the 2027 deadline approaches, Deep’s progress is a testament to the power of ambition—and deep pockets. Whether this project will succeed in its lofty goals remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race to conquer the ocean is back on.
the Goal Is to live in the Ocean, Forever: An Exclusive Interview with Marine Habitat Expert Dr. Evelyn Carter
As humanity looks to the future, the ocean has become the next frontier for exploration and habitation. the Deep project, based in Chepstow, England, aims to establish a permanent underwater settlement by 2027. To understand the challenges and opportunities of this ambitious endeavor, we sat down with Dr. Evelyn carter,a leading expert in marine habitats and underwater living systems.
The vision Behind Deep: A New Era of Ocean Habitation
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter,the Deep project is incredibly ambitious. what do you think makes it unique compared to other underwater initiatives?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: What sets Deep apart is its focus on creating a permanent human presence in the ocean. Other projects have explored short-term stays or scientific research, but Deep’s vision is to establish self-sustaining communities beneath the waves. Their use of “Sentinels,” which are designed for extended stays, is a critical step toward realizing this goal. It’s not just about exploration—it’s about redefining how we interact with the ocean as a species.
The Challenges of Living Underwater
Senior Editor: What are some of the biggest challenges the team will face in making this vision a reality?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Ther are significant technical and psychological hurdles. Technologically, creating a habitat that can withstand the immense pressure, temperature variations, and potential hazards of the deep ocean is no small feat. Safety is paramount, which is why their partnership with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is so crucial. they’re ensuring every design and system meets rigorous safety standards.psychologically, living underwater for extended periods can be isolating and mentally taxing. The team will need to address these challenges through robust support systems and carefully designed living spaces.
The Role of Deep’s Training Facility
Senior Editor: Deep’s training facility in Chepstow is already operational. What role does it play in preparing people for life underwater?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: The facility is essential for acclimating individuals to the unique conditions they’ll face. It’s not just about physical training—it’s about preparing people mentally and emotionally. The Sentinels are designed for 28-day stays initially, which gives participants a taste of underwater living without overwhelming them. This phased approach allows Deep to gather valuable data and refine their systems before scaling up to longer stays.
The Mysterious backer: Driving the Vision Forward
Senior Editor: The project has a mysterious primary financier. How might this secrecy impact Deep’s progress?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: While the secrecy adds an element of intrigue, it doesn’t necessarily hinder progress. What’s important is that the backer is committed to the project’s goals—increasing our understanding of the ocean and its importance to humanity.The funding, which exceeds $125 million, reflects a serious investment in this vision. Provided that the financial support continues, the project can move forward effectively.
The Future of underwater Living
Senior Editor: Looking ahead,what do you think the success of Deep could mean for humanity’s relationship with the ocean?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: If successful,Deep could revolutionize how we think about the ocean. It’s not just about exploration or resource extraction—it’s about coexisting with the ocean in a sustainable way. Imagine underwater cities that serve as hubs for scientific research,conservation efforts,and even tourism. this project could inspire a new generation of ocean pioneers and shift our focus from space exploration back to the depths of our own planet.
conclusion
The Deep project represents a bold vision for the future of human habitation. With its focus on safety,innovation,and sustainability,it has the potential to redefine our relationship with the ocean. While challenges remain,the progress made so far is a testament to the power of ambition and collaboration. As the 2027 deadline approaches, the world will be watching to see if Deep can turn its lofty goals into reality.
