Funding boost for HydroSurv’s next-generation USV-first 3D SBP system
HydroSurv has been named among 12 UK innovators to secure support through the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership’s (OWGP) Development Funding Programme. This funding will advance the creation of a new 3D sub-bottom profiling (SBP) system built around uncrewed surface vessel (USV) operations, offering offshore wind developers a sharper view of the shallow sub-seafloor.
High-quality insight into seabed conditions and near-surface geology remains essential for the design and build-out of offshore wind projects. To plan safely and efficiently, developers depend on high-resolution geophysical data that reveals sediment layers and highlights potential geohazards such as shallow gas pockets, boulders, faults or unexploded ordnance (UXO). Clear imaging of these features is key to reducing uncertainty in engineering design and supporting informed installation decisions.
With co-funding from the OWGP, HydroSurv’s latest R&D initiative tackles this need by advancing a next-generation 3D SBP solution tailored for uncrewed deployment. The project draws on the expertise of GeoAcoustics, a leading UK manufacturer of SBP technology, and Tellus Geoconsulting, a specialist geophysical consultancy. Together, the partners combine strengths in sonar innovation, applied geophysics and uncrewed vessel operations.
The project also benefits from strategic guidance from Ocean Winds, who endorsed the initiative following HydroSurv’s first-place success in the KTN Innovation Exchange competition for geophysical survey solutions earlier in 2025.
New sub-bottom sonar architecture
At the core of the system is a new multi-frequency sub-bottom sonar architecture based on the proven GeoAcoustics GeoPulse 2 platform. A novel hydrophone arrangement and a dedicated deployment and recovery system will enable acquisition of 3D volumetric datasets, allowing improved lateral resolution and clearer delineation of buried features. The development is being tailored to key offshore wind use cases, including pre-construction foundation engineering and cable route assessments.
The SBP system will be integrated into HydroSurv’s REAV-45 battery-hybrid USV, the UK-configured variant of the REAV-47 designed to align with the new MGN 705 (M) MiniMASS Code. In 2025, HydroSurv completed delivery of the first four REAV-47 platforms, now in routine commercial service across Europe and West Africa for hydrographic, geophysical and oceanographic data acquisition.
Coastal and landfall surveys
Combining the REAV-45 with this new SBP capability is expected to provide a highly capable solution for coastal and landfall surveys, addressing the technical challenges and high operational costs associated with traditional towed systems. Developed as a fully integrated USV-first package, the system will undergo extensive field trials and validation during on-water testing scheduled for October 2026.
“We’re delighted to be working with the expert teams at GeoAcoustics and Tellus to begin this important development project. USV technology has the potential to be highly impactful for high-resolution subsurface imaging, and by developing the capability around the REAV-45 we can significantly increase the vessel’s utility, particularly for landfall and coastal survey workscopes,” said David Hull, founder and CEO, HydroSurv.
“It is great to be working with the teams from HydroSurv and Tellus on this new 3D sub-bottom profiler development and it forms an integral part of the new range of products we are looking to bring to market in 2026,” said Richard Dowdeswell, CCO, GeoAcoustics.
This initiative forms part of OWGP’s wider investment strategy to enhance UK supply chain capability and accelerate adoption of innovative technologies that will support the UK’s ambition to achieve 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
