VESSEL REVIEW | Uni-Max – Hybrid survey USV for UAE’s Unique Group

UAE-based subsea engineering and technology company the Unique Group has expanded its fleet of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) with the completion of a new craft designed and built entirely in-house.

Uni-Max was designed for surveying operations and engineered to satisfy diverse operational needs across a range of environments. The 4.8- by 2.2-metre, 1.2-tonne USV incorporates a hybrid power system, integrating a diesel generator with a fuel tank and PV panels to deliver long endurance. This then enables prolonged missions in remote or inhospitable areas to undertake surveying in locations and situations where deploying conventional platforms such as crewed vessels is not feasible.

Power is provided by two Torqeedo Cruise 6.0RS engines with hydraulic steering, giving the craft enhanced performance and manoeuvrability to easily operate in restrictive waters. The USV can sail at survey speeds of three to five knots and can operate for up to six days. A draught of just under one metre makes it ideal for shallow waters.

The USV is fitted with an array of sensors and inspection equipment such as a Simrad radar, a forward-facing video camera, 4G data transfer gear, a wifi radio, a DACS autopilot that allows both remote and autonomous operation, an obstacle avoidance system, and navigation lights. Mission-specific equipment that can be installed as needed includes a mission map, a winch deployment system, a LIDAR, additional cameras, and a survey electronics module.

Uni-Max will also be capable of secondary duties such as oceanography, monitoring, and search and recovery.