VESSEL REVIEW | UK’s MSeis acquires USV trio for survey missions

UK-based marine survey support provider MSeis has acquired three unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in a series from compatriot company HydroSurv Unmanned Survey.

Optimised for inland and sheltered water environments, each USV measures only 1.58 by 1.17 metres and is two-person portable. A symmetrically hulled catamaran design provides enhanced buoyancy, enabling the craft to carry a variety of instruments including multibeam, single-beam, and side-scan sonar, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs), LIDAR, and an autopilot supplied by EIVA.

The autopilot’s software is notable for its ability to generate runlines automatically, even calculating them in real-time based on collected data. HydroSurv said this solution provides precise line-keeping with typical accuracy of approximately 15 centimetres, even in sharp turns through speed control and real-time optimal runline generation that prevents overshooting. Benefits of this automation include waypoint autonomy, heading control, and improved station keeping.

The battery propulsion meanwhile ensures operations with reduced noise and emissions, allowing the craft to also be used for related duties such as underwater noise measurement and monitoring of whale migrations. The propulsion system consists of two Torqeedo lightweight steerable electric outboard motors powered by designated 915Wh lithium batteries. The outboards are capable of low-noise operation and are fitted with propellers that can also cut through weeds. The autopilot can even monitor the status of the outboards and the batteries and can advise operators via alarms when the batteries are nearly depleted.

A separate general service battery provides uninterrupted power to the command, control, and communication systems. Even with the autopilot installed, a human operator can take control of the USV via a radio control joystick when needed, such as during docking.

HydroSurv said MSeis selected this particular series of USV due to their ease of operation, communications capability, and onboard computing power. The versatile craft provides a suitable platform for mounting small hydrophone arrays or calibrated hydrophones that can be towed or accurately positioned on station, respectively. Deployment can also be done quickly and easily without the need for specialised equipment, thus reducing the operator’s logistical footprint and operating costs.

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