OMS Group Advances Autonomous Survey Capabilities with USV Elite

Singapore-based OMS Group, a pioneering digital infrastructure service provider, is making waves in the world of marine technology with its long-range uncrewed surface vessel (USV), known as the USV Elite. This innovative vessel is currently undergoing sea acceptance tests (SAT) off the picturesque coastline of southern France, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continuous expansion into autonomous offshore survey operations.

Sea Acceptance Tests: A Glimpse into Performance

The SAT program is crucial for validating the USV Elite’s design and operational capabilities, and early results indicate promising outcomes. OMS Group reports robust performance in areas such as vessel handling, stability, integration of systems, and deepwater survey efficacy. The goal is to demonstrate that the USV can maintain stable operations during extended missions, which is critical for the ongoing push toward larger-scale, autonomous offshore survey projects.

Throughout the SAT campaign, the focus remains on ensuring that the vessel can handle real-world ocean conditions while delivering precise survey data. Key performance indicators, such as line keeping and platform stability, are being monitored closely, leading to encouraging early observations that support the USV Elite’s viability for continuous offshore operations.

The Role of Advanced Technologies

Emmanuel Delanoue, Deputy Group CEO of OMS Group, highlights the transformative potential of autonomous technologies integrated within the USV Elite. “Beyond just survey performance, we are validating a new operational model,” he emphasizes. This involves the combination of advanced technologies, remote operations, and innovative survey payloads, all aimed at enhancing the planning and execution of offshore survey campaigns.

The SAT program signifies a shift towards a more seamless and efficient operational model that enhances safety and environmental performance, giving clients greater flexibility in managing offshore projects.

Innovative Survey Payloads and High-Quality Outcomes

A standout feature of the SAT program is the validation of the Kongsberg EM124 deepwater multibeam echosounder suite. Initial assessments reveal that this suite provides robust bathymetric acquisition capabilities, meeting the stringent requirements necessary for full ocean-depth cable route surveys. According to OMS Group, this technology is vital for delivering high-quality offshore survey data, essential for planning and protecting subsea infrastructure.

Maxime Even, Director of Marine Survey at OMS Group, notes, “Early results are exceedingly promising. The synergy between the Exail DriX O-16 platform and the Kongsberg EM124 is yielding the data quality essential for effective deepwater bathymetric surveys.” This partnership strengthens the vessel’s ability to execute complex operational tasks efficiently, ensuring that the data generated is not only accurate but also consistent.

Long-Endurance Capability: A Game Changer

The USV Elite’s capacity for extended offshore missions is a focal point of the SAT program. Designed for long-term operations, this vessel can cover vast areas while maintaining the quality and efficiency of its surveys. As global demand for submarine cable systems accelerates, OMS Group recognizes the critical importance of delivering high-quality route survey data.

“As we expand our use of autonomous systems, we are committed to doing so within established international frameworks and industry standards,” stated Ronnie Lim, Group CEO of OMS Group, underscoring the company’s dedication to responsible and innovative practices in uncrewed technology deployment.

Strategic Vision and Future Deployments

The initiative surrounding the USV Elite is not merely about technology; it forms part of OMS Group’s broader vision through its specialist survey business, OMS Geometra. The company aims to merge conventional surveying techniques with cutting-edge autonomous systems to elevate its operational capabilities. With continued advancements in remote operations technology, the planned Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Singapore will offer centralized support for these autonomous offshore operations.

The SAT program is vital for establishing the necessary procedures and operational controls essential for future commercial deployment. As OMS Group strives to enhance its survey methodology, the combination of robotic technologies and traditional practices is expected to yield significant benefits in operational reliability and data acquisition accuracy.

In summary, the ongoing sea acceptance tests for the USV Elite reveal not only the vessel’s capabilities but also OMS Group’s vision for the future of offshore surveying—where innovation meets practicality on the high seas.