Client: Kilchoan Melfort Trust, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and University of Glasgow
Country: UK
Year: 2025
Summary of the Project
Unique Group successfully delivered a high-resolution bathymetric survey in Loch Melfort using its Uni-Mini Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) integrated with a Ping DSP system. The survey supports the development of a habitat suitability model for oyster rewilding, informing long-term restoration of native European flat oyster populations.
Client Requirement
The client required a safe, environmentally responsible, and highly accurate method to map shallow and ecologically sensitive areas within the Kilchoan Estate. Traditional survey vessels were unsuitable due to limited access, ultra-shallow zones, and the need to avoid any disturbance to the fragile habitat.
Challenges Faced
- Ultra-shallow areas prevented the use of conventional manned vessels.
- Remote location of the loch with difficult access demanded a low-logistics deployment approach.
- Traditional Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) limitations in shallow water reduced achievable coverage.
- Numerous moored vessels created complex navigation paths and obstructed survey lines.
Unique Solution Delivered
Unique Group deployed its compact, fully electric Uni-Mini USV integrated with the Ping DSP system to meet the challenges of the project. Designed for low-logistics operations, the Uni-Mini can be hand-carried and launched directly from remote shorelines, eliminating the need for trailers or lifting equipment.
Uni-Mini’s shallow 40 cm draft allowed it to safely access ultra-shallow areas that conventional vessels could not reach. The Ping DSP system was selected for its superior performance in shallow water, delivering wider swath coverage and generating high-resolution 3D side-scan and bathymetric data. The Uni-Mini operated autonomously across open sections while switching to manual control in congested areas, guided by a live video feed from its forward-facing camera to safely navigate between moored vessels.
This combination of precision, mobility, and autonomy enabled efficient and comprehensive mapping despite the site’s environmental and operational constraints. The dataset will help SAMS, Kilchoan Estate and University of Glasgow to analyze and identify the most suitable areas for oyster settlement and long-term population growth.
Benefits Delivered
- High-Resolution Insight: Delivered precise bathymetric data from areas inaccessible to traditional platforms.
- Environmental Sustainability: Fully electric operation minimizes ecological disturbance and avoids emissions from fuel-based vessels.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced costs and survey time while maintaining accuracy and reliability.
- Adaptability in Ultra-Shallow Waters: The Uni-Mini’s lightweight, shallow-draft design enabled safe and effective operation where conventional vessels could not function.
- Collaborative Delivery: End-to-end project management and technical support ensured seamless execution in partnership with the client.
Client Feedback
Libby Smith, Project Manager at SAMS Enterprise provided feedback about the project and Unique Group’s contribution: “The collaboration between Kilchoan Melfort Trust, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Unique Group, and the University of Glasgow represents an inspiring example of how cutting-edge technology can directly support ecological restoration activities.
We were particularly impressed by the seamless joint deployment of SAMS ImpYak™ for taking water flow measurements, with Unique Group’s UNI-Mini for bathymetry mapping. Together, the datasets will be a powerful base for developing a habitat suitability model of the loch, and we look forward to building on the success of this trial. As a hub for research, testing and training, SAMS and SAMS Enterprise are well placed to support ecological restoration activities across Scotland and beyond, and we welcome opportunities to collaborate with organisations to make a lasting impact.”
