Unique Group completed two complex cable trenching project scopes involving the post-burial of 28mm fiber optic cable across three separate locations, covering a total distance of approximately 14.2 km and a post-burial of 23mm fiber optic cable to a depth of between 0.8 and 1.2 meters, over a distance of approximately 7.2km. The trenching was completed using the Uni-FlowX, Controlled Mass Flow Excavation system (CFE), under challenging weather conditions and tough seabed conditions.

Client Requirement  

The client specified that the post-burial of the fiber optic cables needed to be performed in two locations in Malaysia, one was for approximately 14.2km and it needed to be buried in a trench at a depth of 1.5 meters while the second one was for approximately 7.2km at a depth between 0.8 and 1.2 meters. The project was particularly time-sensitive, requiring efficient execution due to the constraints we had to work around.

Challenges Faced

• Monsoon Season: The project was undertaken during the monsoon season, and we had to tackle unpredictable and severe weather conditions.
• Seabed Conditions: The seabed was extremely hard, making trenching operations difficult and slow.
• Underpowered DP1 Vessel: The dynamic positioning vessel available for the project was underpowered (DP1), limiting its operational capacity.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: The weather presented significant challenges with high swells and strong currents, exceeding the usual working conditions.
• Time Restraint: The client only permitted a single pass for the trenching operation
• Variable Trench Depth: Unforeseen seabed strengths along the cable route led to variations in trench depth. Given the challenging conditions, it was agreed with the client to adjust the minimum trench depth to maintain good progress.

Unique Solution Delivered  

After an assessment of the client’s requirements by Unique Group’s technical team, our in-house developed Uni-FlowX, Controlled Mass Flow Excavation system (CFE) was deployed to complete the trenching operations as it is well suited to handle tough seabed conditions.

The Uni-FlowX’s water jetting system was used si­multaneously with the Digger excavation to enable easier trenching and reduce the resistance of the seabed. We used dual multibeam sonars to provide precise mapping and depth measurements, ensuring accurate trenching and minimizing the risk of errors due to varying seabed conditions.

The first project covering 14.2km was divided into three sections:

• Section 1: Covered 5.6 km with an average trench depth of 1.0 to 1.5 meters.
• Section 2: Spanned 4 km with an average trench depth ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters.
• Section 3: Encompassed 4.6 km with an average trench depth of 0.5 to 0.9 meters.

For the second project for approximately 7.2km, the trenching was completed with an average depth of 1.0 to 1.5 meters, aligning with the adjusted client requirements. Screen grabs were taken every 10 meters to ensure consistent performance.

Benefits Delivered  

• Efficient Trenching: Despite the challenging conditions, trenching was completed to the client’s requirements in all three sections, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Uni-FlowX equipment combined with the jetting spread and dual sonars.
• Enhanced Precision: The use of dual sonar heads ensured accurate depth measurements, enabling the team to adapt to the varying seabed conditions and meet the adjusted trench depth requirement.
• Operational Success: The equipment and technology allowed the project to be completed within the constraints of a single pass and under extreme weather conditions, fulfilling the client’s requirements effectively.
• Complete technical support: Unique Group’s technical team supported the client throughout the project to ensure a seamless execution.

The post Fiber Optic Cable Burial Successfully Completed by Uni-FlowX in Challenging Conditions appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group was engaged by one of the Middle East’s prime marine dredging companies to perform a multibeam survey before and after the client’s dredging activities at several locations on a daily basis for a period of roughly one year.

Client Requirement

The client, a renowned marine dredging expert in the region, wanted to obtain multibeam survey data before and after performing their dredging activities in Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. Owing to the client’s request for easy accessibility at the site, Unique Group recommended that the multibeam survey operations be carried out using the Uni-Mini USV, a compact and lightweight marvel capable of accurately performing shallow water surveys. After reviewing the specifications and its ability to be easily loaded and offloaded at multiple locations, the client proceeded with the project. 

Challenges Faced

• Longer project duration with accessibility required at multiple locations on a daily basis.

Unique Solution Delivered  

We fitted the Uni-Mini USV with a high quality multibeam hydrographic system and INS kit. This configuration fulfilled the client’s requirement and allowed the survey to be completed without any hindrances.

The USV was controlled and monitored through RF telemetry.

The USV performed well throughout the deployment cycle and the client was pleased with the quality of data collected. The Uni-Mini was appreciated for its sustainable approach in performing the shallow area survey.

Benefits Delivered 

• Reduced operational costs of survey.
• Logistics: easy to deploy, retrieve and transport due to its lightweight and compact nature.
• Sustainable solution: the Uni-Mini helped reduce carbon footprint for the survey activities by replacing fuel requirement with an autonomous battery operation.
• Autonomous and remote solution: This project demonstrated the benefits of working autonomously and remotely.
• Increased productivity due to less human interference at the project sites, and more reachability to the shallow areas.

The post Uni-Mini USV Completes its first Multi-Site Pre and Post Dredging Multibeam Survey in the UAE appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group performed a bathymetric survey for data collection using the Uni-Pact Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for two dams in Kerala, India within six days.

Client Requirement

The client wanted to collect bathymetry data from two dams as part of a study for a Solar cell project. They contacted Unique Group with their survey requirement and preferred a quick and environmentally friendly solution. Our Unmanned Surface Vessel Uni-Pact was used for this project as it is easy to deploy in remote locations and gather high-quality data.

Challenges Faced

• The location of the dams was remote, and reaching the location was difficult. There was also high wind at one of the dam locations which had to be managed.
• It was difficult to deploy the USV without the use of any lifting crane, but Unique’s cradle design made it easy to deploy the USV.
• We had to carefully navigate the shallow depth along the boundary area of the dam.

Unique Solution Delivered  

The entire project was completed using the Uni-Pact USV which was fitted with a wideband multi-beam echosounder for hydrographic survey and the Valeport SVP with the USV winch. These were used to gather the required multibeam bathymetry data successfully, the data was collected mainly via autonomous mode. Manual mode was engaged for safety purposes when surveying near the dam boundary as it was very shallow depth. The entire project duration was a total of six days, three days for each dam. This was the most ideal solution for the survey as deploying other survey boats in the dam would have been difficult owing to the location and facilities available at the dam.

The client was pleased with the data collected and will be using the information gathered for the next steps of their project.

Benefits Delivered 

• Efficient way to complete the shallow depth bathymetry data collection.
• Reduced Project duration and cost effectiveness.
• Assured human safety as the survey was completed autonomously.
• 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.

Client Testimonial

The Designers Consortium (client) was pleased with the results of the survey and commented: “The survey, which utilized Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Uni-Pact with a wideband multibeam technology, was conducted meticulously to provide comprehensive insights into the hydrological characteristics of the dam areas. The hydrographic survey reports generated as a result of this project provide detailed information on bathymetry. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to their team for their cooperation and support throughout the project. Their professionalism and dedication played a crucial role in the successful completion of the hydrographic survey.”

The post Bathymetry Survey Completed in Two Dams in 6 Days with Uni-Pact USV appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group performed bathymetric data survey using Uni-Pact Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) of Fremantle Sailing Club and Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour entrance for MMA Offshore.

Client Requirement

Our primary scope was to provide MMA Offshore with accurate depth data around Fremantle Sailing Club (FSC) wharfs, berths and jetties. Additional scope was later included to provide MMA Offshore with depth data to the entry of Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. This was to ensure that their survey vessel, the Offshore Solution, had sufficient under-keel clearance with survey equipment deployed for future projects when entering or departing the harbour.

Challenges Faced

Fremantle is known for its strong winds, the name “The Fremantle Doctor” is given to the strong winds that consistently blow in the area from the southwest during the summer months. We took extra caution to plan the survey schedule to make sure the weather was right for launching, surveying and recovering. Additionally, traffic was heavy daily due to the large number of recreational fishing vessels going in and out of Fremantle during the busy fishing season.

Unique Solution Delivered  

The Uni-Pact USV was installed with Norbit iWBMS and a Valeport SWIFT SVP, which enabled it to gather accurate depth data around the wharfs, private berths and public fuel jetties while it was remotely operated from multiple locations around the Sailing Club. Following on from the work at FSC, the Uni-Pact was tasked to provide depth data to the entrance of Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, to assist the Offshore Solution navigate safely in and out of the harbour during their upcoming operations.

The USV’s remote base station was set up at Cape D’Orlando Groyne, with a local support vessel on hand to assist the Uni-Pact to navigate the busy harbour entrance safely during operations.

With the Valeport SWIFT installed on the USV drop winch, regular spot check SVP dips were taken throughout the survey to allow more accurate post-processing of the data.

Overall the project was completed successfully and quickly, the client was very pleased with the bathymetry data collected.

Benefits Delivered 

• 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, proven by setting up at various locations around the site.
• 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.
• Hot swap battery option was utilised to minimize any charging downtime. Battery swap over takes less than 20 minutes, meaning the USV is ready for another full survey scope within a very quick time.

The post Uni-Pact USV Performs Bathymetry Survey to Acquire Data for Coastal and Harbour Monitoring appeared first on Unique Group.

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
   

The post Uni-Pact USV Completes Feasibility Study to Acquire Nearshore Topographic and Bathymetry Data appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group successfully supported a client with the 12 km section, nearshore to beach landing of a pipeline survey measuring the cathodic potential, field gradient and depth of burial of a 36” pipeline in extremely shallow waters using our Uni-Pact USV.

Client Requirement  

The client was contracted to carry out a survey of an existing 36” pipeline, along a 177km route. The inshore portion of the survey was in extremely shallow water and had proved difficult to survey by traditional inshore survey vessels.
The main scope of Unique Group’s solution was to measure the cathodic potential, field gradient and depth of burial of the pipeline inshore of Rotumeroog Island using the Uni-Pact USV.

Challenges Faced

The tidal restraints, and varied water depths between 0.6 m and   3.0 m along the 12 km nearshore section of the pipe, meant vessels had failed to gather CP and Depth of Burial data since installation over 20 years ago. Simultaneous data acquisition of the full suite of survey sensors in a single pass was critical to complete the scope of work in a timely manner.

Unique Solution Delivered  

As traditional survey vessels could not be used due to the shallow depth, Unique Group proposed to equip the Uni-Pact USV with the required sensors and to use it to perform the survey. Based on the client’s requirements, the following sensors were installed on the Uni-Pact:

• TSS HydroPACT 660E Subsea Cable Tracking System
• Norbit Winghead Multibeam Echo Sounder
• FIGS Cathodic Protection (CP) system

The flexibility of the Uni-Pact’s architecture and hull allowed all three sensors to be fitted for simultaneous acquisition in a single pass mission.  The TSS 660E Cable Tracking System was installed on a raft that was pushed ahead of the Uni-Pact. The Force Technology FIGS CP system was mounted across the deck, to provide an accurate measurement of the electric fields surrounding the pipelines, thus providing us with the status of the cathodic protection (CP).  The Norbit Winghead Multibeam Echo Sounder was fitted to Uni-Pact’s retractable survey pole.  Integration of the three sensors, which was the first time that such a configuration had been attempted, took a week, from designing the raft, engineering and testing the setup. On site mobilisation was performed in under two hours.

The Uni-Pact’s autopilot coped very well with the addition of the raft and the additional weight of the Pipetracker. The Uni-Pact has an onboard PC dedicated to running the survey software and sensor applications (in this case it was running Eiva Navipac). This makes it easy to reconfigure the Uni-Pact when different sensors or survey packages are required. In addition, this also ensures that the vessel control software and autopilot are unaffected should anything untoward happen to the survey PC. The flexible architecture of the control systems on the Uni-Pact enabled, an additional PC to be added to the network onboard the Uni-Pact and accessed over the remote telemetry link. This permitted Force Technologies to use their own laptop, preconfigured with the necessary software for the FIGs CP system.

Overall, the client was very pleased with the results collected, and they were able to gain valuable data regarding the condition of their pipeline.

Benefits Delivered 

• A customised solution specifically designed for the client’s needs.
• 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.

The post Uni-Pact USV Finalises 36” Inshore Pipeline Survey in the Netherlands appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group’s India team was approached to provide rental services for their Seaflex range of Inflatable Buoyancy Units (IBUs) for a cable laying project at the Futala Lake in Nagpur. These IBUs were crucial for the installation of various electrical and optical cables, as well as floating certain platforms over the lake during light shows at the fountain.

Client Requirement  

The client needed 20 units of 2t IBUs to assist in floating the cables and a metallic frame on the lake.

Challenges Faced

The mentioned quantity of the 2t IBUs were not readily available at the enquiry stage as the bags were rented out for other ongoing projects in the region.

Unique Solution Delivered  

To address this challenge, a combination of 2t and 3t IBUs from the Seaflex range was offered. Calculating the total required capacity for the project as 40t, it was determined that 10 of the 2t IBUs and 7 of the 3t IBUs would provide a combined capacity of 41t. The availability of IBUs with different capacities facilitated the timely execution of the project according to the client’s schedule.

Benefits Delivered  

• Tailored solution with a variety of IBU sizes.
• Cost savings for the client due to reduced logistics associated with using the provided IBUs.
• Access to a team of technical experts who offered continuous support throughout the project.
• Completion of the project with utmost safety and reliability, as the IBUs were designed and manufactured to meet all relevant safety standards.

The post Seaflex Inflatable Buoyancy Units Aid Cable Laying Project at Futala Lake Fountain appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group’s team in the Netherlands supported one of their diving clients with 2 pieces of 1.000 kg Mono Buoyancy Units (MBU) that were used to lift a car from the riverbed.

Client Requirement  

The client wanted to perform a salvage operation and needed the Seaflex range of MBUs. The units were used to lift an abandoned car from the riverbed as it was blocking the waterway.

Unique Solution Delivered  

This case study depicts an interesting application of our range of Mono Buoyancy Units (MBUs). To execute the salvage operation, Unique Group deployed equipment and provided technical support during the operation. An assessment was carried out prior, taking into consideration the weight of the car and the conditions of the riverbed. Based on our expertise, the team determined that two 1,000kg MBUs would work well for this task.

The client worked meticulously to attach the MBUs to the car using the internal straps and shackles, ensuring a secure connection for lifting. With the help of the 1,000kg MBUs, the team successfully lifted the car from the riverbed, clearing the waterway for navigation. The buoyancy provided by the MBUs enabled a safe and controlled lift, mitigating the risk of damage to the car or surrounding environment.

Benefits Delivered  

• Versatile Buoyancy Solutions: The availability of different sizes and capacities of MBUs allows for customized solutions tailored to specific salvage projects.
• Safety Assurance: The MBUs have a safety margin of 5:1, ensuring safe usage.
• Although not type tested as lifting equipment, the solution was easy to use and cost effective for the operation.

The post Seaflex Mono Buoyancy Units used to lift abandoned car from a Riverbed in the Netherlands appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group successfully supported a University of Western Australia (UWA) research team by providing them with a Norbit multibeam echo sounder to perform multibeam survey to discover submerged indigenous engraved rock art in Murujuga (Dampier Archipelago) in the NW of Western Australia. This region is very prospective for Indigenous underwater archaeology with number of drowned terrestrial landforms such as river channels, water holes and beaches already discovered. The team recently discovered Aboriginal stone artefacts on the seabed of Murujuga which represents the first tangible evidence of occupation on a now drowned landscape.   

Client Requirement  

The UWA research team initiated a project to search and find underwater rock art in Murujuga, one of the richest rock art provinces in the world with over a million rock engravings recording an occupation period spanning more than 50 thousand years BP. The client wanted to map a prospective area of seabed called the Madeline Shoals at a very high spatial resolution to target specific locations for diver investigations and reached out to Unique Group to provide them with a multibeam echosounder system. 

 

Unique Solution Delivered  

The client team had initially performed geophysical mapping of the seabed using topo-bathy LiDAR on a powered glider operated by Airborne Research Australia but had omitted the Madeline Shoals area due to the greater water depths (15 to 40 m below sea level).  Multibeam Echosounder provided by Unique Group was mounted to a survey vessel (Optimus 1000) for mapping wide swaths of seabed in a single pass. The multibeam survey was designed to generate the greatest density of point cloud data as possible, this included 100% overlap and very low <3 knots) survey speed. 

The survey results have been fascinating as the 3D seabed mapping of the Madeline Shoals has revealed highly complex and detailed submerged igneous geological terrain that based on similar terrestrial landforms has the potential to host engraved rock art. The team will continue their search using direct underwater ROV and diver observations. 

Benefits Delivered  

• Logistically efficient: Due to the remoteness of the region all survey equipment could be transported on commercial aircraft 
• Time saving: Mobilisation of equipment on the survey vessel took less than 2 hours enabling more survey time 
• Quick delivery of the equipment. 
• Expertise: The Unique Group engineering team trained and supported the client during the project. 

In Search of Underwater Rock Art, read more: In Search of Underwater Rock Art (arcgis.com)

The post Unique Group Provides Multi-beam Echo Sounder for Searching Underwater Rock Art in Australia   appeared first on Unique Group.

Unique Group successfully supported the Australian Institute of Marine Science, in completing a carbon-conscious bathymetric survey at Cape Ferguson to perform seabed modelling for their upcoming project, using our proprietary unmanned surface vessel (USV), Uni-Pact.

Client Requirement

The Australian Institute of Marine Science was looking for an autonomous survey vessel to acquire bathymetry data to perform seabed modelling for their jetty extension plans. In line with this, they reached out to Unique Group, and we executed the project to showcase Uni-Pact, our unmanned surface vessel’s capabilities, and effectiveness for the project.

Challenges faced

• We had to manage the tidal swings – during the very low tides we had to launch the USV very early and recover it late.
• The recharge of the USV battery had to be scheduled depending on the tide to maintain the endurance of the vessel.
• The 4G coverage was patchy, we handled it by collaborating with METOCEAN and setting up a satellite communication system to control the Uni-Pact.

Unique Solution delivered

Unique Group delivered a ready-to-deploy, fully calibrated Uni-Pact USV to the project site which was fitted with the Norbit iWBMS. The Uni-Pact was the best solution for the client’s requirements as the multibeam echo sounder integrated quickly with the USV and the sound velocity probe was also easily deployed through the winch in the vessel. The system also had excellent over-the-horizon navigation and sensor control. A key highlight was that the Port of Brisbane surveyors were able to monitor the survey remotely from Brisbane, over 900km away from the project location.

Our team piloted the Uni-Pact through the line of sight and autonomously from the base station in the AIMS facility. We also supported the hydrographer by performing on-site checks for the survey solution.

AIMS was very pleased with the quality of the data collected during the survey and also for being able to complete the project using an eco-friendly unmanned surface vessel.

Benefits delivered

• 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 zero noise, thus reducing disturbance to the aquatic ecosystem.
• Autonomous and remote solution: This project demonstrated the benefits of working autonomously and remotely, as the surveyors were able to remotely monitor the project from Brisbane.
• Quick and easy solution: Uni-Pact reduced the process complexity as it is a lightweight and easy-to-deploy solution.

Client Feedback

Melanie Olsen at the Australian Institute of Marine Science commented: “Uni-Pact (UP-002) performed as expected and advertised, with absolutely no surprises to the client, operators, or surveyor. Its functionality, stability, and reliability meant there were zero hours lost due to failures, so the maximum benefits were capitalised throughout the project.”

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