VESSEL REVIEW | Uni-Mini – Compact, multi-role USV for UAE coastal survey specialist

The UAE-based Unique Group has added a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to its fleet of subsea engineering and inspection vessels.

Uni-Mini was designed and built in-house by the Unique Group as an economical, compact, and lightweight vehicle that can be easily carried and operated, allowing fast deployment. It is specifically engineered for shallow-water surveys and is able to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of transducers and GPS systems. Other duties include coastal and harbour monitoring, habitat mapping, seabed mapping and classification, data harvesting, and surveys of sensitive freshwater reservoirs where use of boats powered by conventional fuels such as petrol and diesel is prohibited.

With a 1.675- by 0.784-metre, 65kg carbon fibre hull, the USV can be transportable by two people for easy deployment into and recovery from the water. The craft is fitted with a 78Ah lithium-ion battery that drives two brushless differential DC thrusters to deliver a survey speed of three to five knots and a maximum endurance of four hours. Swappable batteries will be used, thus eliminating the need for quayside charging and enabling faster turn-arounds.

The USV is designed to be capable of both autonomous navigation and being remotely operated, the latter option possible over a maximum line-of-sight range of two kilometres with the aid of an omnidirectional antenna and a dedicated ground control unit. Communication with the craft is via wifi and marine broadband radio with the option for 4G connectivity also being made available. A front-facing camera is already installed though additional cameras can be fitted depending on operational requirements.

Uni-Mini has already been deployed on key projects in the Middle East for bathymetric surveying in shallow waters on behalf of an undisclosed engineering, procurement, and construction company.