Client Name: WSP and Exodus Hydrographic
Summary of the Project
Unique Group’s Uni-Mini Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) was deployed for a shallow-water hydrographic multibeam survey in Kwinana, Western Australia. The project spanned three days and involved the first commercial deployment of the Norbit iWBMS multibeam sonar onboard the Uni-Mini in WA. The USV was launched from a mothership due to inaccessible shoreline conditions and successfully delivered high-resolution bathymetric data in a location unreachable by conventional vessels.
Client Requirement
The client wanted to collect precise and high-quality bathymetric data in a shallow and restricted near-shore zone that was inaccessible to traditional survey vessels, supporting environmental and planning activities for the Westport development project.
Challenges Faced
- Restricted Access: The target survey area could not be reached by traditional shallow-draft vessels.
- Environmental Constraints: Afternoon winds (the “Freo-Doctor”) limited operational hours, necessitating early morning deployment.
- Launch Limitation: The shoreline was inaccessible for direct USV deployment, requiring all operations to be conducted from a support vessel (“Noel”).
Unique Solution Delivered
To address the access limitations and environmental constraints of the site, we deployed our compact and fully electric Uni-Mini USV. Equipped with the Norbit iWBMS multibeam sonar—making its commercial debut on the Uni-Mini in Western Australia—the system delivered wide swath coverage and high-resolution bathymetric data.
With the shoreline inaccessible for launching, the USV was deployed and recovered from the support vessel “Noel,” ensuring seamless operations throughout the three-day project. Uni-Mini’s autonomous capabilities enabled pre-planned line-following with sub-30cm accuracy, eliminating the need for any remedial survey work and demonstrating the platform’s value as a highly effective solution for near-shore, shallow and environmentally sensitive survey operations.
Benefits Delivered
- High-Precision Data in Hard-to-Reach Areas: Enabled precise and reliable hydrographic data collection in a zone inaccessible to other survey platforms.
- Carbon-neutral solution: Supported Westport’s sustainability goals through zero-emission, electric-powered survey operations.
- Delivered Operational Efficiency: Reduced operational costs and environmental disruption by avoiding the use of fuel-based vessels.
- End to End Project Management: Complete technical support and planning was done by Unique Group in close collaboration with Westport.
- Ultra-Shallow Draft & Compact Size: The Uni-Mini can operate in water depths where manned vessels would be at risk of grounding. Thus, the USV showcased superior performance compared to conventional survey boats in shallow environments.
- Minimal Disruption to the Environment : Unlike larger vessels that churn up sediment or disturb aquatic habitats, the Uni-Mini’s lightweight hull and electric propulsion significantly reduce environmental impact.
Client Name: WSP and Exodus Hydrographic
