Uni-Pact USV Completes Feasibility Study to Acquire Nearshore Topographic and Bathymetry Data

Summary of the Project  

Unique Group was engaged by a local university in Singapore to acquire nearshore topographic and bathymetry data along the East Coast shoreline of Singapore in a single operation.

Client Requirement  

The client wanted to gather hydrographic survey of the coastline for environmental (erosion) studies.  Owing to the varying depths of the coastal area, Unique Group recommended that the survey be completed using the Uni-Pact USV. After reviewing the specifications and capabilities of the USV, the client proceeded with the project.

Challenges Faced

• The survey location was 4km away from our office location, so we used a towing boat to ferry the USV to the site.
• We had to manage local maritime restrictions which allowed only three consecutive days of survey
• The survey had to be planned and completed keeping in mind the tidal times.

Unique Solution Delivered  

We fitted the Uni-Pact USV with a multi-beam echosounder for hydrographic survey and an iLidar (surface radar) was added on top of the USV for topographic survey. The USV managed to gather the required information successfully, data was collected mainly via autonomous mode. Manual mode was engaged during survey near shoreline structures for safety purposes.

The university was pleased with the data collected and will be using the information gathered to focus on their studies. The Uni-Pact was appreciated for its environmentally friendly approach to marine survey.

Benefits Delivered 

• Seamless and efficient shallow water survey completed.
• Time-saving and cost-efficient: The project was completed in a shorter time than conventional methods, thus also saving costs.
• Environment friendly: The Uni-Pact USV is a completely environmentally friendly solution, as it is operated on electric engines which make negligible noise, thus reducing disturbance to the aquatic ecosystem.
• Autonomous and remote solution: This project demonstrated the benefits of working autonomously and remotely.
• Quick and easy solution: Uni-Pact reduced the process complexity as it is a lightweight and easy-to-deploy solution.
• Expert technical support was provided from the beginning of the project till the end, thus enabling the client to make the best decision for the project