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Streaming Technology for Real-Time Offshore Inspections
SubC Imaging’s real-time streaming solution, used by energy company Woodside in collaboration with contractor Wood, enabled a high-quality live subsea video feed from the Shenzi asset, located 121 miles offshore Louisiana, to an onshore operations center.
This marked the first remote subsea inspection in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, with SubC’s real-time streaming solution overcoming traditional challenges of underwater surveys, where data is typically recorded offshore and reviewed weeks or even months later.
By transmitting secure, high-resolution live video from offshore to onshore teams hundreds of miles away, the technology delivered clear safety and efficiency benefits during the inspection.
It removed the need for a full complement of inspectors, engineers, and support personnel onboard the inspection vessel, lowering offshore exposure and improving safety.
The streaming solution by SubC allowed the team to instantly review footage, identify anomalies on the spot, and re-inspect in real time, reducing the reporting timeline from months to days.
Operators were able to make immediate decisions, request follow-up inspection passes in the moment, and shorten the time from inspection to remediation. This reduced costly delays and improved data quality since anomalies were addressed while the inspection was still in progress.
Adam Rowe, v.p. software at SubC Imaging, commented, “Companies are realizing that remote inspections aren’t just about convenience. They fundamentally change how quickly and effectively you can respond to findings. By giving teams access to live subsea data from anywhere in the world, we’re helping them work safer, cut costs, and accelerate their entire inspection process.”
Clinton Jensen, subsea inspection lead at Wood, added, “Wood led the subsea inspection from shore with SubC Imaging’s streaming capabilities. It reflects our vision to lead the industry toward smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.”
This subsea inspection milestone is thought to be one of the first American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-approved remote inspections in U.S. waters. The project highlights how SubC Imaging’s remote operations technology is advancing offshore inspections for operators and service providers globally.
Wireless Devices for Polar Research Rely on Small Battery Packs
Battery packs power seismometers that surround Mt. Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica. (Credit: EarthScope)
By Brett Baker
Formed through the recent merger of IRIS and UNAVCO, EarthScope Consortium assists the research community in procuring, deploying, and maintaining scientific instruments used in geophysics and other Earth sciences, as well as related data archiving and distribution services.
As the operator of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s GAGE and SAGE Facilities for geoscience, EarthScope often works in harsh environments, ranging from the polar regions to scorching deserts to deep drilled holes and more. Most applications are off the grid, requiring the use of battery-powered devices. Harsh environments such as these present challenges for batteries, perhaps none more extreme than the polar regions, the solutions for which provide valuable insight applicable to other remote deployments.
Battery packs power seismometers around Mt. Erebus. (Credit: EarthScope)
Wireless Challenge in Polar Climate
Among the most desolate regions on Earth, the Antarctic has temperatures that can reach -90° C during winter. Despite being so inhospitable, this frozen continent attracts researchers from around the globe who seek to unlock the secrets of Earth’s structure and formation, including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, glacial ice movement, and more. Many polar projects require highly specialized batteries that are capable of performing reliably in extreme cold. These batteries power wireless devices.
EarthScope and Tadiran Batteries have collaborated to develop the TLP-93101E battery pack, which is assembled by EVS Supply and designed to withstand the extreme environment at the poles.
The TLP-93101E battery pack incorporates 50 Tadiran TL-4930 D-size bobbin-type LiSOCl2 cells along with five HLC-1550A hybrid layer capacitors (HLCs) that deliver the high pulses required for wireless communications. Based on average current draw requirements, each pack is designed to last one to two years while delivering 190 Ah of energy at 18.57 V with up to 15-A pulses. This pack is inherently safe and environmentally friendly. It is also ruggedly constructed using Schottky diodes, positive temperature coefficient (PTC-200) thermistors (thermally resettable fuses), 18-gauge wire, a weather pack shroud-style (WPS) connector, PVC jacketing, and shrink enclosure.
While most battery chemistries perform poorly in extreme cold, bobbin-type LiSOCl2 chemistry stands apart, remaining stable down to -55° C, modifiable to withstand -100° C.
Another key feature is miniaturization. Compared to an equivalent pack using cold-rated lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, TLP-93101E packs fit within a 93 percent smaller footprint (13.62-by-2.59-by-6 in. versus 28-by-14-by-7.4 in.), with an 85 percent weight reduction (11 versus 70 lb.).
This difference becomes even greater when compared to lead-acid batteries. By reducing size and weight, shipping costs from New Zealand to Antarctica are significantly reduced while also meeting UN and International Air Transport Association guidelines for transporting hazardous goods.
In addition, the small footprint of the TLP-93101E permits greater numbers of battery packs to fit into the cargo holds of small planes and helicopter slings used to transport this equipment to remote sites.
Seismic station near a camp at the ice flow divide on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. (Credit: EarthScope)
The Value of Lower Self-Discharge
Self-discharge results from internal chemical reactions that occur even when there is no connection between the electrodes or to any external circuit. As a result, many low-power devices lose more energy annually due to self-discharge than is exhausted while operating the device, resulting in premature battery failure.
Bobbin-type LiSOCl2 cells have a unique ability to limit self-discharge by harnessing the passivation effect. Passivation involves a thin film of lithium chloride (LiCl) that forms on the surface of the anode to separate it from the electrode, thereby reducing the chemical reactions that cause self-discharge. When a continuous current load is applied to the cell, the passivation layer causes initial high resistance and a drop in voltage until the discharge reaction begins to dissipate the passivation layer, which is a continually repeating process.
By effectively harnessing the passivation effect, the self-discharge rate of certain cells can be reduced to just 0.7 percent per year, thereby permitting wireless devices to operate for up to 40 years without having to replace the battery.
Seismic station on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. (Credit: EarthScope)
Field Examples
A common example of this type of battery pack being deployed in Antarctica involves a seismometer installed in the ground, with power supplies and data recording equipment enclosed in above-ground cases. Reliance on lead-acid batteries during dark winter months would necessitate overbuilding the power supply, which would further exacerbate the size/weight issue.
TLP-93101E battery packs are being deployed to power seismometers that surround Mt. Erebus, an active volcano located approximately 20 mi. from the McMurdo Station, the U.S. Antarctic research facility operated by the National Science Foundation. This wireless network provides real-time data and aids in the study of the volcano’s dynamics. While this particular application is located within reasonable proximity of the McMurdo Station, which is rare for Antarctic deployments, industrial-grade LiSOCl2 battery packs are still required in order to withstand high altitude and katabatic winds.
Another prime example involves a network of seismometers that monitor the Thwaites Glacier. These instruments detect seismic signals produced by cracking or lurching movement of the ice along the bottom. They also provide data used to map and characterize the bedrock beneath the ice.
Seismic station on Thwaites Glacier. (Credit: EarthScope)
Custom Solutions
In the harsh clime of Antarctica, hybrid power supply solutions are often utilized for wireless devices. For example, during summer months, certain instruments can be powered by energy harvesting by combining solar arrays with lead-acid batteries. In winter months, the power source switches over to bobbin-type LiSOCl2 battery packs that also provide emergency backup.
Every remote wireless application is unique, demanding individualized power management solutions. As a result, careful due diligence is required to identify the most cost-effective solution that will prevent premature battery failure, lower the cost of ownership, and protect data integrity.
Maritime Software Company Acquires Advisory Firm
U.S.-based maritime software company OrbitMI has acquired Swedish advisory firm Gale Force, expanding its portfolio in voyage optimization and environmental compliance.
The deal follows OrbitMI’s recent purchase of Quebec-based AI specialist AuQub and reflects the company’s strategy to blend maritime expertise with digital tools for shipowners and operators.
Gale Force, founded by Tom Sandberg (pictured above), provides route optimization, voyage execution support, and emissions reporting services. Its team of marine meteorologists and naval architects will join OrbitMI, adding technical depth and a regional base in Sweden and Norway.
OrbitMI said integrating Gale Force’s services into its platform will give clients faster access to connected workflows and actionable insights.
“We’re building more than a platform, we’re building a partner in maritime decision-making,” commented CEO Ali Riaz.
The company added that it remains committed to an open integration approach for weather services, allowing clients to use their preferred providers.
Sandberg said joining OrbitMI would allow Gale Force to expand its model to a wider market. “Better data leads to better decisions, but only when supported by the right expertise,” he noted.
Advanced Workflows for Survey, Dredging Operations
High-quality hydrographic data are achieved by integrating position and orientation data from the Applanix POS MV OceanMaster with Trimble RTX, alongside sonar data collected from a multibeam system.
By Peter Stewart
Whether surveying seafloor or dredging port sediment, acquiring continuously accurate, high-quality data in underwater conditions has long been a challenge for marine contractors.
Although technology offers immense potential to support these endeavors, the complexity has often posed significant challenges. For years, these advanced systems required a deep level of expertise to implement effectively, largely due to the intricate interplay of various components.
Take, for example, the process of seafloor mapping. This task typically involves an array of equipment such as multibeam sonar, positioning and orientation systems (POS), laser sensors, speed-of-sound devices, and cutting-edge software to process and interpret data. Ensuring these tools operate in perfect harmony is no small feat, yet it is essential for producing the precise, high-quality underwater data that marine operations necessitate.
As James Dunkley, senior manager of hydrographic surveys at Brownsville, Wisconsin-based Michels Corp., a global power, pipeline, energy and infrastructure construction company, notes: “One of the things people in our industry may not realize until they’ve already invested in technology is the time and cost required to install sensors and integrate systems. Too many times, we must sort these things out on our own.”
More recently, there’s been greater emphasis by developers on prioritizing usability and data quality. The solutions are more intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier for professionals, whether on a boat or in an excavator, to effortlessly access and interpret data without needing to grapple with the intricate mechanics of system configurations.
A POS Perspective
The evolution of POS provides some insights into the ease-of-use evolution of undersea technology. Today’s advanced POS-based marine systems are uniquely suited to the requirements of precision marine motion sensing, hydrographic surveying and charting. They can deliver precise position, heading, attitude, heave, and velocity data for a marine vessel and remote sensing equipment. By combining global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data with angular rate and acceleration derived from an inertial measurement unit (IMU), along with GNSS azimuth measurement system heading, these systems offer an accurate 6 degrees of freedom POS.
When combined with multibeam sonar, hydrographers can generate very precise, georeferenced seafloor mapping data. Manufacturers have devoted considerable time helping customers integrate and configure system components at the factory and during commissioning. The key innovations developers have focused on include improving data availability and quality through the deployment of a seamless GNSS solution that integrates sensor calibration and correction technologies with multibeam sonar.
The Port of London project provides one such example of how these integrated solutions support the all-important hydrographic aspects of a project.
POSPac MMS (mobile mapping sensor) includes a database of thousands of GNSS base stations worldwide that can be automatically downloaded for SingleBase or SmartBase processing.
No Limits with Lidar
The Port of London Authority is charged with ensuring navigational safety and port security along the River Thames, a complex survey area with several bridges, considerable river traffic, and other obstructions that block GNSS line of sight.
Tasked with collecting survey data, the Port of London Authority Hydrographic Service equipped its vessel with a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system for georeferencing a multibeam sonar and a lidar sensor.
With a fully integrated solution, the team was able to capture lidar and multibeam sensor data at the same time to map both the structural elements on the underside of a bridge and the underwater view, providing complete, accurate information in areas where the GNSS environment makes it most difficult to do so, but where, conversely, the need for accuracy is at its highest.
In the near future, complete multibeam solutions with more seamless integration of GNSS, inertial, and other technologies such as lidar will make the technology more accessible to a wider audience beyond just expert hydrographic surveyors to construction, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and more.
The integration of a real-time correction service, such as Trimble CenterPoint RTX, or post-processing techniques as well as sonar technology also helps to deliver more efficient and accurate dredge operations.
Screenshot of Trimble Marine Construction software showing the bucket’s position relative to the design depth specification.
Resolving the Dredge Dilemma
Much like multibeam sensor integrations for hydrographic surveying, the technological advances to support activities such as dredging are also emphasizing ease of use and quality data with simpler setups. For instance, while sonar was once only the realm of large-scale specialized companies, recent advancements have significantly reduced the cost of sonar systems, making them accessible to a broader range of marine construction projects.
When combined with GNSS systems, advanced sonar-driven 3D visualization tools enable operators to have live feedback on a project’s progress. It eliminates all-too-familiar lags in production while waiting for post-survey results. With this combination, operators have immediate confirmation of grade alignment, object placement, or debris clearance, thus driving improved precision and productivity.
The data in the cab are continuously updating to changing conditions as debris is removed while tracking the precise position and heading of dredging/construction equipment operating underwater. An added benefit is that project teams no longer need a diver to verify underwater conditions, greatly improving job site safety and productivity.
For Michels, it’s a development progression that has forever changed the way the company navigates and excavates underwater projects.
Managing Underwater Parameters
One of the first projects in which Michels was able to take advantage of fully integrated systems was the Missouri River Bedrock Removal Project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. The goal of the project was to excavate a minimum of 120,000 cubic yards of material and restore adequate channel parameters to provide safe navigation of river boat traffic on the Missouri River. The area of concern spanned a little over 2 mi.
“We were basically breaking rock underwater and then removing it,” said Dunkley. “These are pretty inhospitable conditions—and many machine and sensor systems would not work in these harsh conditions.”
An excavator equipped with the Trimble Marine Construction system removes rock from the Missouri River.
The Michels team mounted a 95-ton Cat 395 excavator on a barge that was tugged into the area of work and equipped with sensors to measure everything from pitch and roll to the movement of excavator attachments. A monitor connected to the Trimble Marine Construction real-time positioning system was used to display survey and design information and provide a visual of the equipment as it moved underwater. Data on the monitor included hydrographic surveys of the river bottom and the dredge prism defining the channel that needed to be cleared: all in 3D, plan and profile views. The pre-dredge/construction hydrographic survey data were collected using a multibeam echosounder with an embedded Applanix GNSS-INS.
The positioning data became particularly crucial for navigating and guiding the excavation work safely, accurately, and efficiently according to project specifications and survey. Even when working underwater, the system continued to provide an accurate real-time depiction of the bucket or other attachment locations, the position of the boom and stick, and their relationship to both the hydrographic survey data and the design layers defining the dredge prism/channel that needed clearing.
“The positioning system performed continuously throughout the entire project duration without any downtime caused by issues with the electronics, components or software,” said Dunkley. “That equates to improved efficiency in the field and successful project execution.”
The firm’s technology-enabled solutions have been deployed on multiple projects, including those that require mobilization of amphibious excavation equipment.
The streamlined integration of technologies such as GNSS and multibeam sonar into marine construction and dredge operations is setting a new standard for efficiency and precision. Solutions blending real-time sonar data with advanced machine guidance systems are no longer reserved for niche projects—they are rapidly becoming industry staples. By pairing hydrographic surveys with coordinated equipment workflows, operators can achieve an unmatched level of situational awareness, optimizing every phase of their operation.
Peter Stewart is the director of marine products at Trimble Applanix.
USV + Multibeam Echosounder Enhances Safety in Critical Waterways
CHCNAV’s Apache 4 USV paired with the HQ-400 compact multibeam echosounder is a combination that provides ad- vantages over traditional vessel-based survey by delivering high-quality data with exceptional deployment flexibility.
By Taxiya Wang
Waterways are critical for global maritime transport, and ensuring their safety is vital for vessel operations, crew welfare, and maintaining economic flow. The underwater terrain is constantly reshaped by natural forces, such as sediment buildup, shifting seabed, and geological hazards, which introduce uncertainty and risk, especially in busy or remote navigation channels.
Traditionally, these areas have been monitored using manned survey vessels equipped with multibeam echosounders (MBES). While effective, these operations are costly and require complex deployment procedures. They also have limited access to shallow or constrained zones.
To overcome these challenges, the maritime industry is increasingly turning to intelligent, unmanned systems that provide accurate, efficient and adaptable solutions, especially for high-resolution hydrographic mapping in dynamic aquatic environments.
Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Hydrographic Surveys
Manned survey vessels encounter operational limitations in confined or shallow environments. In narrow channels, ports, and complex river junctions, submerged structures, limited space, and other vessel traffic often hinder their maneuverability.
More critically, traditional vessels have difficulty accessing nearshore and ultrashallow zones, which are essential for assessing sedimentation, scouring, and potential navigational hazards. Without data from these areas, effective waterway management becomes difficult, resulting in reactive rather than proactive dredging or infrastructure reinforcement.
CHCNAV’s Apache 4 USV paired with the HQ-400 compact multibeam echosounder.
A Modern Solution to Complex Hydrographic Conditions
In a recent survey of a Yangtze River tributary, CHCNAV overcame the challenges posed by the environment with a fully integrated system: the Apache 4 USV paired with the HQ-400 compact multibeam echosounder. This combination provided a compelling alternative to traditional vessel-based methods by delivering high-quality data with exceptional deployment flexibility.
In just 3 hr., the system mapped 0.7 km2 of complex underwater terrain and produced detailed contour maps, terrain point clouds, and digital elevation models. Compared to conventional approaches, the integrated solution tripled operational efficiency while maintaining centimeter-level accuracy across the entire data set.
Accurate Positioning in Remote Environments
Remote and topographically challenging waterways often result in communication and GNSS correction disruptions. During the Yangtze River project, network limitations and terrain interference disrupted real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections, jeopardizing the reliability of live data.
To address these issues, CHCNAV used post-processed kinematic (PPK) positioning technology. The HQ-400 MBES and the Apache 4 USV captured high-quality raw GNSS and IMU data that were later corrected using post-processing software. This approach bypassed the need for real-time RTK corrections, ensuring precise positioning even in environments with limited connectivity.
The result was a dependable, uninterrupted workflow capable of capturing dense, high-accuracy bathymetric data in real-world conditions.
The Apache 4 USV and HQ-400 MBES used for the Yangtze River tributary survey gathered data that revealed valuable information about shoreline sedimentation and scour dynamics.
Streamlined Surveying with Intelligent Automation
CHCNAV’s EasySail control software is an Android-based platform that simplifies mission setup. It allows users to import CAD files (.DXF) to define survey boundaries. Operators can configure route plans, set line spacing, swath overlap (typically greater than 20 percent), and course direction with a few taps for full area coverage.
During operation, the system dynamically adjusts to environmental changes. Parameters such as beam angle, ping rate, and depth gates automatically adjust to match depth and bottom conditions. This smart automation reduces the operator’s workload, ensures optimal sensor performance, and enhances data integrity without requiring constant manual adjustments.
Thanks to its ultrashallow 0.15-m draft, the Apache 4 excels in narrow and nearshore environments. Meanwhile, the HQ-400’s 150-m depth range and 120° swath angle provide comprehensive coverage at various depths, ideally suited for high-resolution bathymetric surveys.
Efficient Post-Processing for Reliable Deliverables
After data collection, it is essential to transform raw sonar returns into actionable insights. CHCNAV’s Multibeam Suite (CMS) software offers an intuitive interface for efficiently managing extensive bathymetric data sets.
Built-in automated filters quickly remove noise, outliers, and false echoes caused by environmental or sensor interference. This reduces the need for manual cleaning and ensures that only soundings with a high degree of confidence are kept, speeding up post-processing while ensuring data quality.
Yangtze River MBES data via USV survey.
Proven, Accurate Results
The integration of CHCNAV’s Apache 4 USV and HQ-400 MBES yielded impressive results during the Yangtze River tributary survey. The team mapped 0.7 km² of the riverbed in just 3 hr., which is three times more efficient than traditional survey methods. The accuracy was equally impressive: 99.96 percent of the recorded depth points met the International Hydrographic Organization’s stringent standards.
The resulting data set supported the creation of detailed contour maps, dense underwater point clouds, and accurate digital elevation models. These deliverables revealed valuable information about shoreline sedimentation and scour dynamics. This information aided in the development of targeted plans for dredging, bank stabilization and long-term waterway management.
Even under fluctuating water levels, the data remained consistent with satellite imagery, confirming the system’s reliability and resilience in the field.
The Future of Waterway Monitoring
The Yangtze River tributary project highlights the potential of unmanned hydrographic solutions. Replacing traditional manned surveys with a high-resolution, agile USV-MBES platform substantially improved the project’s data quality, efficiency and operational safety. The ability to capture centimeter-accurate underwater terrain data in shallow, restricted areas while meeting international standards demonstrates the real-world value of the integrated unmanned USV-MBES approach. As waterways continue to shift due to natural forces and human impact, advanced unmanned systems are poised to become essential tools for managing, maintaining, and protecting these vital infrastructure lifelines.
Remote Ocean Mapping Evolves with USVs
Seafloor mapping of the 12-Mile Bank in the Cayman Islands.
By Kitch Kennedy • Brian Connon
The journey of remote ocean mapping using USVs has accelerated rapidly over the past decade, driven by necessity and innovation. Ocean mapping is critical for managing marine resources, ensuring safe navigation and understanding climate change. Yet, vast areas of the seafloor remain uncharted. USVs are exponentially expanding our understanding of the ocean floor.
At the forefront of USV innovation is Saildrone, a company that began with a vision of sustainable maritime data collection and has since become one of the world’s premier providers of autonomous ocean mapping vehicles. From the initial development of the solely wind-powered Explorer to the more sophisticated fleet of Surveyor- and Voyager-class vehicles, Saildrone has continually adapted to challenges, integrated cutting-edge technologies and reshaped the ocean mapping landscape. This article highlights the evolution of remote ocean mapping through the lens of Saildrone, detailing how the company addressed the inherent challenges of autonomous bathymetry and steadily developed into a trusted partner for defense, commercial, and scientific stakeholders.
Mission History
Saildrone began building and deploying small USVs in 2013 to collect critical ocean, weather, and climate data. The Saildrone Explorer USVs, powered by wind for propulsion and solar for onboard systems, offered more than 12 months of endurance, an unprecedented capability within the autonomous surface vehicle industry. These vehicles were truly disruptive, offering for the first time an affordable, environmentally friendly solution for persistent data collection in the most remote ocean regions. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, the Saildrone Explorer provided a unique capability for researchers around the world.
Saildrone’s early success, especially on missions for NOAA, resulted in a project at the University of Southern Mississippi to evaluate a Saildrone Explorer as an ocean mapping platform. Explorers had conducted some single-beam sonar mapping, but this proof of concept was focused on a Saildrone USV outfitted with multibeam sonar to provide high-quality bathymetric data.
In order to prove the concept, a Saildrone Explorer would need to conduct a series of offshore mapping projects demonstrating the ability to collect high-quality data, drive straight survey lines, determine power limitations and management techniques, and integrate a system to collect sound velocity profiles.
Over two years, Saildrone successfully conducted a number of mapping demonstrations off the coasts of Mississippi and California that proved the concept and identified a number of challenges to be addressed in order for a Saildrone USV to be considered a viable ocean mapping platform. These challenges included power generation to support high-consumption sensors, such as sonar, and advanced computing; the need for an integrated winch with a sound velocity profiler (SVP); and improved communications to the systems on board.
Surveyor: Purpose-Built for Hydrography
Building on lessons learned, Saildrone set out to design a purpose-built USV capable of supporting high-quality ocean mapping in both deep and shallow waters. Enter the Saildrone Surveyor, a 22-m autonomous vehicle equipped with a full suite of hydrographic instrumentation, including Kongsberg EM 304 and EM 2040 multibeam sonars and the Seapath 330+ positioning and motion reference system.
The working prototype Surveyor featured satellite communications, a profiling CTD winch built in-house for seamless integration with onboard software, and a marine engine designed to provide power and alternative propulsion for the USV.
The development of the Surveyor was made possible through generous philanthropic funding, a testament to the growing recognition of the ocean’s importance and the value of persistent, cost-effective data collection.
To test the Surveyor platform, a roundtrip mapping transit was carried out between California and Hawaii, followed by a three-month deployment to the Aleutian Islands. The success of these missions showcased the potential of uncrewed systems to reach remote and challenging survey regions with minimal human risk and at a fraction of the cost of traditional vessels.
Building on lessons learned during these real-world deployments, Saildrone updated the design of the Surveyor with an improved sensor suite and manufactured five USVs in 2025. One of the highlight missions for the new Surveyor took place in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Cayman Islands, where the vehicle conducted deepwater mapping of 90,000 km² in previously uncharted areas.
Seafloor mapping of the 60-Mile Bank in the Cayman Islands.
Ocean Mapping Innovation
As Saildrone Surveyor operations matured, new technical hurdles emerged. One significant limitation was the reliance on SVP systems, which require regular data collection to ensure accurate multibeam measurements. Traditional SVP systems, while effective, were constrained by battery life and manual data retrieval. To overcome this, Saildrone partnered with AML Oceanographic to codevelop a solution that would match the operational endurance and autonomy of the Surveyor. The result was a novel, inductively charged SVP instrument with Bluetooth communications, enabling remote operation and hands-free data acquisition. This evolved into a more robust unit featuring Wi-Fi capabilities and automated data transfer, a tool that is now commercially available and used widely outside the Saildrone fleet as well. This collaboration marked an inflection point: Saildrone wasn’t just integrating existing tools; it was helping to advance the ocean mapping technology itself.
Autonomy depends on robust and reliable communication. In early missions, Saildrone used Iridium satellite communications to exchange data with its USVs. While sufficient for basic command and control, the narrow bandwidth created bottlenecks in transmitting large volumes of sonar data or monitoring sonar data collection in real time. These limitations became especially apparent during high-latitude missions, such as Saildrone’s pioneering work in the transits between Alaska and Hawaii and subsequent survey around the Aleutian Islands. The need for broader, more consistent and robust data transmission pathways became clear.
Saildrone responded by integrating a global, high-bandwidth satellite communications system into its vehicles. The result was a transformative leap in capability—the team could offload low-latency data in near real time while remotely monitoring and troubleshooting systems, running diagnostics, and even executing software updates from mission control. This advancement opened new possibilities for live mission planning, adaptive survey strategies and rapid customer engagement, all essential for modern ocean mapping operations.
With the Surveyor successfully addressing deep- and mid-shelf-water mapping, a smaller, more agile platform was needed for coastal environments. Customers sought high-resolution coastal bathymetry and sub-bottom profiling for offshore wind development, habitat mapping, and coastal undersea infrastructure planning and monitoring.
Saildrone answered with the Voyager-class USV, a 10-m vehicle equipped with a NORBIT multibeam echosounder and an integrated sub-bottom profiler. The Voyager was designed for containerized transport, enabling it to be shipped globally in standard 40-ft. containers and launched with minimal shoreside infrastructure. The compact Voyager provides unparalleled flexibility for nearshore survey operations, with applications ranging from critical infrastructure mapping to coastal resilience planning.
Saildrone co-develops autonomous survey technologies along with its USVs.
Optimizing Autonomous Survey Workflows
One of Saildrone’s most important evolutions is evident in the development of enhanced mission planning and data visualization tools. As autonomous survey operations became more common, the need for intuitive tools to support planning, monitoring and client interaction grew. Saildrone invested heavily in the user interface and data visualization of its Mission Portal, a web-based platform for planning, tracking, and visualizing survey missions in near real time. Mission Portal enables internal operators and external clients to view tracklines, sonar coverage, environmental overlays, and system status through an intuitive interface. More than a simple dashboard, Mission Portal has become a vital part of the workflow for clients and operators alike. It supports remote mission adjustments, real-time quality control, and collaborative planning, enabling customers to feel connected and in control even when the vehicle is thousands of miles away.
A critical challenge Saildrone faced in its evolution was adapting existing hydrographic data acquisition software for fully autonomous operations. Most commercial acquisition systems were designed with the assumption that a trained human operator would be on board to start lines, monitor data quality and respond to anomalies in real time. This paradigm proved inefficient in a USV context. To overcome the legacy approach to survey operations, Saildrone worked closely with leading sonar manufacturers to streamline and reconfigure acquisition software to support remote operation, autonomous control, and integration with mission planning tools, ultimately enabling watchstanders to monitor multiple platforms simultaneously with confidence in data quality.
Another significant challenge encountered during operations was the biofouling of the SVP sensor, particularly from seaweed and debris. This issue, often difficult to detect without human oversight, was amplified during recent, unprecedented Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean. To address the problem, Saildrone developed enhanced operating procedures and engineered a mechanical solution, an onboard device designed to automatically clear obstructions from the SVP. This innovation eliminated the need for manual intervention and, together with improved software tools, has markedly increased the reliability and quality of data collected during long-duration, fully autonomous missions.
Traditionally, hydrographic data processing required manual retrieval, large file transfers and significant post-mission work. With the advent of Starlink and expanded cloud infrastructure, Saildrone has moved toward real-time data processing as standard. Sonar data collected by the Surveyor and Voyager platforms can be uploaded and processed in near real time using cloud-based tools. This enables early detection of data quality issues, faster project delivery and reduced post-mission workload. Saildrone’s cloud processing pipelines not only provide basic quality assurance but also support customer-defined processing workflows and deliverables. As a result, clients receive preliminary data products during the mission itself, shortening timelines and increasing the agility of hydrographic campaigns.
One of the most novel aspects of utilizing USVs is the use of remote watchstanders. Traditionally, hydrographic surveys required onboard personnel to monitor systems, adjust settings and ensure data quality. In contrast, hydrographers and survey technicians can now operate from anywhere with internet access. They monitor multiple USVs simultaneously, ensuring system health, validating sonar performance and adjusting mission parameters as needed. This remote operations model not only increases efficiency but also expands workforce opportunities. By decoupling operations from physical presence, Saildrone has created roles for hydrographers, data analysts, and technicians who might otherwise be excluded from fieldwork due to geography, caregiving responsibilities, or physical limitations. It’s a model that blends technical excellence with social equity, a rare but powerful combination in the maritime domain.
A Sustainable, Autonomous Mapping Future
As ocean mapping continues to grow in importance for resource management, offshore development, climate science, and national security, the need for persistent, scalable, and sustainable data collection platforms becomes more urgent. Saildrone has demonstrated that with the right mix of innovation, partnerships, and mission focus, it’s possible to overcome technical barriers and build a new kind of mapping fleet: one that’s autonomous, environmentally responsible, and operationally efficient.
A prime example is Saildrone’s recent groundbreaking deep-sea cable route survey for Meta, which proved that USVs can deliver high-quality data for subsea infrastructure planning in the most remote ocean environments. The company’s roadmap includes further integration of AI for adaptive mission planning, expansion of its cloud-based analytics platform, and increased collaboration with government and industry to push autonomous hydrography into the mainstream.
Saildrone’s evolution, from a single proof-of-concept multibeam test to a global fleet of advanced USVs, is more than a technology story. It’s a vision realized, and a clear signal that the future of ocean mapping is here, driven by wind, guided by satellites, and built for a changing world.
Kitch Kennedy is the director of ocean mapping at Saildrone.
Digital Twin Emergency Rescue Co-Pilot for India’s Deep-Ocean Human Submersible
The crew inside Matsya6000 during testing.
By Dr. N.Vedachalam • Dr. VBN Jyothi • Dr. R.Balaji
Under the Deep Ocean Mission, a key component of the Blue Economy initiative by the government of India, the Ministry of Earth Sciences-National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is developing a state-of-the-art, fourth-generation, deep-ocean, battery-powered, scientific, human-occupied submersible: Matsya6000. It is designed to carry three humans down to 6,000-m depth, with an endurance period of 12 hr. and 96 hr. of emergency life support.
The reliability of Matsya’s mission-critical systems is ensured through redundancies. Human-rated configuration for life-critical systems meets IEC 61508 standards. While emergency drop-weights and jettisonable systems ensure safety under extreme loss of buoyancy and entanglements, a drag-anchor-based emergency rescue system will be used to manage the residual risk.
Matsya6000 features: a fully welded titanium alloy exostructure; an 80-mm-thick titanium alloy human cabin; pressure-balanced, oil-filled, lithium-polymer batteries; redundant power, control, communication, and positioning system architecture; a human-rated emergency drop-weight system; rapid localization capability; real-time crew health monitoring; and subsurface hovering capability.
Digital Twin Co-Pilot
The AI-based cognitive digital twin (CDT) co-pilot, Chaitanya, developed by NIOT’s Matsya6000 team and SRM University, Chennai, will support crew in the event of an emergency.
The Chaitanya comprises 14 coupled models of human physiology, engineering equipment, and the ocean environment to enable machine learning (ML) that can predict future system behaviors and suggest optimal actions. Chaitanya is updated with essential sensory information in real time. It simulates predictive scenarios and can support the Matsya crew by generating/redefining protocols that are optimal for survival during 15 specific emergency scenarios. These scenarios include: effective rationing of onboard emergency power to life-critical equipment and oxygen supply for the crew (within and beyond 96 hr.); tracking the ascension of Matsya during positioning system outages; and determining the hovering depth during delayed retrievals.
Chaitanya will comprise four modules that govern Matsya’s emergency rescue system via artificial intelligence/machine learning.
The Four CDT Modules
Chaitanya comprises four modules to regulate power, oxygen supply, navigation and positioning.
The emergency power system module of Chaitanya, Shakthi, is based on a precise mathematical model of lead-acid batteries incorporating machine-learned thermal conditions inside the human cabin at different ocean depths. It provides the emergency operating protocols (EOP) for rationing energy to life-support systems; voltage-sensitive actuators of emergency drop-weights (operating >18 VDC); and jettisoning and emergency rescue systems. Any deviation from the EOP leads to higher energy consumption of battery energy than envisioned and affects the energy availability for other life-support systems. Usage of the underwater acoustic telephone (UAT) on the submersible cannot be restricted during an emergency period, as distressed crew will need to be able to communicate with rescuers. Shakthi predicts the allowable usage rate for UAT during an emergency so that it doesn’t exceed its allocated 8 percent of the energy budget.
The oxygen supply module, Prana, runs on an AI-based crew oxygen consumption model.
The position-track module, Pushar, predicts the likely surfacing position and time, enabling precise positioning of rescue assets for quick recovery of the distressed crew. Pushar works on the dead-reckoning principle, with inputs such as the last known geo-coordinates and machine learning parameters (vehicle buoyancy, salinity profile, ocean current profile, and Matsya’s hydrodynamic behavior). It supports navigation in the event of acoustic positioning systems failure and during emergency ascend scenarios, such as cabin smoke/fire.
The Garuda module determines the optimal hovering depth, considering available propulsion power for station-keeping in currents, battery de-rating at the hovering depth, and the energy required to maintain a human cabin microclimate for crew comfort without dehumidifiers.
Harbor testing in Chennai, February 2025.
Testing
The Shakthi module was validated and refined during the experiment conducted in the Bay of Bengal in 2024.
Harbor wet tests were conducted in January and February 2025 at a shipbuilding port in Chennai. The focus was on the oxygen consumption pattern specific to the three-person crew during testing and the hydrodynamic performance of Matsya. The data were used to refine the Prana and Pushar models.
The AI models for the modules will continue to be refined based on the data from upcoming qualification phases, including the 500-m-depth demonstration planned in the first quarter of 2026 and subsequent activity in deeper waters.
After validation, Chaitanya will integrate a vehicle health management system that will assess subsystem health and the effect of the subsystems on each other and on Matsya as a whole. The system will be able to predict potential failures before they become critical.
The four CDT modules will make up the digital twin co-pilot. The goal of this work is to create a situational awareness system that incorporates machine learning and AI-driven insights to support crew during an underwater emergency.
Dr N. Vedachalam is a scientist and the project director of Matsya6000 at India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology.
Dr. VBN Jyothi is a scientist at India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology.
Dr. R. Balaji is the director of India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology.
World’s First Seaweed Nanocellulose Biorefinery
Paeroa, a small New Zealand town, has became home to the world’s first seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery. Developed by family-owned AgriSea in partnership with Bioeconomy Science Institute-Scion, the facility converts waste seaweed into nanocellulose hydrogel, producing up to 1,600 kg per week.
Seaweed offers an advantage over traditional wood-pulp sources: Its cellulose chains are up to four times wider, giving the resulting hydrogel twice the thermal conductivity of plant-based equivalents. The extraction process uses non-aggressive chemicals compared to those usually used to make nanocellulose, making it significantly more workplace and environmentally friendly. The finished material, resembling malleable white clay, is stronger than steel and can absorb greater than 100 times its mass in water.
This green material has an array of high-value applications. In medicine, it can be used for advanced wound dressings, drug delivery and tissue engineering. Agriculture could benefit from its water-retentive properties to improve seedling survival and micro-encapsulation of bio-stimulants and nutrients. Cosmetics companies see it as a renewable cream base, while manufacturers of adhesives, batteries, and electronics are exploring it as a biodegradable performance material and heat-dissipating substrate.
The global seaweed cultivation industry is valued at $22 billion USD in 2025 and projected to reach $69.5 billion USD by 2034. The broader biorefinery market—already worth $146.4 billion USD—is forecast to expand at nearly 8 percent annually, topping $392 billion USD within a decade.
Flume Tank North Sea Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Europe’s largest wave and flow tank, Flume Tank North Sea, continues to be in business after 40 years, with a renewed commercial focus. A wide range of models of nets, trawls, fish farm cages and other underwater equipment can be tested in the tank.
In January 2025, the North Sea Science Park took over operation of Flume Tank North Sea, seeking to foster collaboration with other organizations in the blue economy.
An example of recent activity at the facility is Vónin’s testing and measurement this year for a model of a new pelagic trawl. The trawl is being developed in close collaboration with Vónin’s customers, who are testing the new trawl at full scale. The model being tested at Flume Tank North Sea has been manufactured by the facility’s specialized net makers, who also help with adjustments to the trawl during testing.
Controlled Mass Flow Excavation for Offshore Projects
Uni-FlowX controlled mass flow excavation system.
By Karl Dale
The offshore and subsea engineering industries are undergoing a pivotal transformation. As global energy systems diversify and critical infrastructure expands beneath the ocean surface, the requirements for seafloor intervention have become increasingly complex. From oil and gas to offshore wind and undersea cable routing, today’s projects demand a new level of precision, environmental sensitivity, and control.
Traditional excavation methods—mechanical digging and heavy dredging—were once the norm. But as operations move into more dynamic and ecologically sensitive zones, these approaches are no longer sufficient. Stronger currents, tighter environmental regulations, and fragile infrastructure require next-generation excavation systems designed for accuracy and minimal disruption.
Modern seafloor engineering has evolved beyond physical excavation alone. The focus now is on smart systems that combine data, adaptive design and automation. Removing sediment effectively is just the beginning—today’s tools must also safeguard assets, reduce environmental impact and deliver consistent results in unpredictable underwater conditions.
Operators increasingly need tools that are rapidly deployable, precisely controllable and capable of operating safely in challenging environments. This has accelerated the shift toward excavation solutions that blend mechanical reliability with real-time monitoring and modular design.
Controlled Mass Flow Excavation Method
Among the most transformative of these advancements is controlled mass flow excavation (CMFE). Unlike traditional dredging, CMFE uses high-volume, low-pressure water flow to suspend and relocate sediment without direct contact with the seabed. This method dramatically reduces the risk of damaging pipelines or cables and eliminates the need for spoil removal, enhancing efficiency and environmental compliance.
CMFE is highly effective across varied seabed types—from soft sand to compact clay and rock dump—and is ideal for tasks such as pipeline and subsea structure de-burial, cable route preparation, seabed leveling, decommissioning offshore structures, and debris clearance. It is especially valuable in shallow, high-risk areas where conventional methods pose safety and environmental challenges.
Today’s CMFE systems incorporate sonar imaging for real-time monitoring, variable power settings, and compact frames for easy deployment from smaller vessels. These features enable precision excavation in complex settings while reducing operational downtime and risks.
Uni-FlowX CFME.
Uni-FlowX
Decommissioning offshore structures often includes the removal of submerged components, such as pipelines, mattresses and jackets. These operations require a precise and minimally invasive approach. Unique Group’s engineering solutions, such as the Uni-FlowX—a non-contact excavation system equipped with a subsea digger—improve seabed access while minimizing ecological disruption. When paired with pipeline and umbilical recovery systems, it simplifies one of the most technically demanding phases of a decommissioning project.
Unique Group, a specialist in offshore and subsea solutions, has extensive engineering capabilities that span the full life cycle of subsea infrastructure—from planning, design, and installation to inspection, maintenance, and decommissioning. With more than 20 operational hubs worldwide, Unique Group also provides trained field service technicians to support offshore projects on site.
Its in-house Engineering and R&D Division is central to its value proposition, driving the development of bespoke technologies tailored for offshore environments. Recent solutions include diver decompression chambers with integrated monitoring, compact launch systems for rough seas, and buoy platforms equipped with environmental sensors.
The Uni-FlowX CMFE system is the result of more than a decade of R&D, field testing and client collaboration. Uni-FlowX delivers a high-performance, contactless excavation method designed for safety, accuracy and environmental stewardship.
Using high-volume, low-pressure water jets, Uni-FlowX fluidizes and displaces sediment without impacting subsea structures. Its contactless operation reduces risk and simplifies logistics, especially for projects involving buried assets in environmentally sensitive areas.
To ensure precision, Uni-FlowX features real-time sonar imaging for visual tracking—even in poor visibility—and modular construction for easy mobilization.
The complete system includes a launch and recovery system, powered by a 37-kW hydraulic unit, main and clump weight winches, and a data umbilical reel. Integrated variable power control enables operators to tailor excavation force to seabed conditions—supporting accurate, efficient sediment removal.
Launch and recovery system.
Excavating Buried PLEM in Bangladesh
Uni-FlowX has been deployed successfully across applications, including pipeline deburial and seabed leveling. One standout case involved a buried pipeline end manifold (PLEM) in the estuarine waters of Bangladesh—a high-risk, low-visibility environment with powerful tidal currents.
The PLEM was buried under dense silt and sand. With limited diver access and short operational windows, traditional excavation posed too many risks. Unique Group mobilized Uni-FlowX alongside a custom-designed launch and recovery system for fast deployment.
The system’s contactless excavation allowed large sediment volumes to be removed without damaging the buried infrastructure. Sonar imaging provided real-time feedback throughout the process, and the compact system ensured efficient mobilization within tight tidal schedules.
This successful operation demonstrated Uni-FlowX’s core strengths: high-precision excavation, reduced environmental impact, and operational flexibility in complex conditions. It also highlighted the value of a responsive, technically capable engineering partner.
Conclusion
As marine infrastructure continues to grow and reach more challenging environments, the demand for safe, intelligent, and low-impact tools will rise. Systems such as Uni-FlowX embody the future of subsea excavation—balancing performance, environmental care and operational control.
Seafloor intervention is now a multidisciplinary challenge, blending environmental science, engineering and logistics. Unique Group’s comprehensive engineering capability, from equipment innovation to full-service project delivery, ensures that even the most complex challenges in offshore energy and infrastructure can be met with confidence. Through ongoing R&D and a practical, field-focused mindset, Unique Group is helping shape a smarter, more sustainable future for the subsea industry.
Learn more here.
Karl Dale is vice president of Unique Group’s Load, Lifting + Mooring Solutions Division.