EGS Survey is pleased to announce the launch of the USV Fremantle 01,a purpose-built 12m Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) designed to advance hydrographic and geophysical survey operations in coastal conditions. At the heart of the vessel’s capabilities is Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA Remote and Autonomous Control Software, chosen as the autonomy provider for its ability to deliver precision, reliability, and operational flexibility tailored to the survey industry.
With the inclusion of GAMA, the USV Fremantle 01 performs 90% of its missions autonomously, enabling extended, precise, and efficient survey operations. This autonomy not only enhances the vessel’s operational efficiency but also positions it as a key tool for tackling the challenges of modern hydrographic and geophysical surveys.
“The USV Fremantle 01 has been developed by EGS Survey as part of our ongoing drive to improve the quality of our survey products whilst reducing risk to personnel, costs to our clients and lowering our environmental footprint. By integrating Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA system, we have equipped the vessel with advanced autonomous capabilities that meet the demands of even the most complex survey projects,” said Charles Collins, Chief Surveyor, EGS Survey.]
Why GAMA is Perfectly Suited for Survey Operations
The selection of GAMA for the USV Fremantle’s remote and autonomous control was driven by its ability to address the unique demands of the hydrographic and geophysical survey industry. Key features of GAMA include:
Seamless Integration with QINSY Survey Software
GAMA simplifies the integration of survey lines created in QINSY, allowing operators to easily drag and drop them into the autonomy system. This enables the USV Fremantle 01 to execute precise survey missions autonomously, streamlining the mission setup process and ensuring data accuracy.
Customisable Autonomy Parameters
Survey missions demand precision, and GAMA enables operators to fine-tune autonomy parameters to build highly detailed and accurate mission plans, and have the vessel steer the survey lines with an accuracy that far outperforms a human operator. This ensures that the USV Fremantle 01 operates efficiently, even in complex coastal environments.
Intuitive Mission Management
GAMA’s customisable widgets and UI display critical information in real-time, enabling survey teams to monitor and adapt operations as needed. This ensures that decision-making is always informed and responsive to changing conditions.
Safety Compliance
GAMA’s safety hierarchy integrates COLREGs-aware collision avoidance and fail-safes, ensuring secure operations even in high-traffic or challenging survey areas.
Reliable Communication
With IP-based connectivity via Starlink and Iridium, GAMA enables reliable over-the-horizon control, ensuring uninterrupted operations in remote locations.
By integrating GAMA, EGS Survey can monitor and manage operations remotely from its Fremantle-based control centre, ensuring safe and efficient execution of survey missions in real time.
Realising the Potential of Autonomous Surveying
The USV Fremantle 01, equipped with GAMA, is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern survey missions. The vessel’s design complements GAMA’s capabilities by offering features such as a retractable gondola for enhanced sonar performance, transportability for nationwide deployment, and endurance for missions lasting over 10 days.
Peter Baker, Greenroom Robotics’ Director of Growth, commented:
“We’re excited to be part of an Australian-designed and built project like the USV Fremantle 01. GAMA’s flexibility and reliability align well with the vessel’s design, and we look forward to seeing it in operation, supporting EGS Survey’s hydrographic and geophysical work.”
A Local Solution with National Impact
Named after its home port, the USV Fremantle 01 highlights the collaboration between Fremantle-based companies committed to advancing maritime technology. By bringing together EGS Survey’s operational expertise and Greenroom Robotics’ autonomy capabilities, the vessel demonstrates the potential of local innovation to address national and international survey challenges.
With its combination of advanced autonomy, flexible design, and extended endurance, the USV Fremantle 01 will be an important asset in delivering hydrographic and geophysical survey solutions across Australia.
