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 Feedback
Exodus Hydrographic Surveys commented, “Exodus Hydrographic Surveys selected Unique Group’s Uni-Mini Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) and NORBIT iWBMS Multibeam Sonar System for the Westport Program to undertake shallow water hydrographic survey operations in accordance with the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Order 1a Standard. Unique Group’s Australia personnel provided invaluable technical support services during pre-project system commissioning and commercial project operations, ensuring the hydrographic survey operations were completed to a professional standard in line with the client’s requirements. Exodus Hydrographic Surveys recommends Unique Group’s Uni-Mini USV and technical support services as an efficient alternative to standard vessel operations for shallow water hydrographic surveying projects.”