Fremantle, Western Australia, 06/02/2026
EGS Australia have successfully completed cable route survey operations off the coast of Western Australia on behalf of OMS Group, a world-leader in integrated telecommunications infrastructure.
“Completing EGS’ first survey for cable route purposes using an Uncrewed Vessel is an exciting milestone. USV Fremantle 01 made short work of the challenging conditions and collected some excellent data. She made her way from berth at Fishing Boat Harbour, completed the survey and back alongside 100% remotely piloted. Our remote skipper was quite pleased to be in the comfort of our Ops Centre rather than offshore during the strong summer sea breeze” said Charles Collins, Chief Surveyor at EGS Australia.
The survey was conducted by EGS’ Uncrewed Survey Vessel (USV) Fremantle 01, which was operated remotely from the Fremantle office for the duration of the project. With OMS Group requiring information promptly, the USV was able to demonstrate its value, by enabling EGS to prepare, deploy, survey and then provide high quality deliverables within just three days.
Fremantle 01 is a purpose-built 12-metre USV, the first in her class, with Fremantle 02 coming into service later this year. The Fremantle-class offers a versatile and cost-effective survey platform, able to operate in crewed, remote and autonomous configurations. Boasting a 15-day endurance, 2000 nautical mile range and an ability to operate in shallow coastal waters or up to 200 miles offshore, the vessel has ability to collect high-quality data in poor conditions, reinforced by the success of this survey, with operations successfully conducted in 1.5m seas and winds of 20-25 knots.
Additionally, the use of the USV for this project supported the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) objectives of both organisations, by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, risk of personnel at sea, marine disturbance and by supporting more efficient survey methodologies.
“EGS have been at the forefront of global subsea cable route surveying advances since the 1990s,” notes Charles Collins (EGS Australia). “We are thrilled to once again be leading the way with the development of our own USV which is tailored specifically towards hydrographic and geophysical survey on the continental shelf. EGS’ global network of offices and facilities will allow us to have Fremantle classed USVs based strategically in each region in the near future. We thank OMS for this opportunity to prove our technology and look forward to collaborating in the future.”
“This project reflects our commitment to embracing innovative technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across our subsea operations,” said Ronnie Lim, Group CEO of OMS Group. “Autonomous solutions such as this provide valuable complementary capabilities to conventional survey approaches, particularly for complex offshore environments.”
About EGS Australia
EGS Australia, part of the worldwide EGS Group, is a renowned multi-disciplinary hydrographic and geophysical survey company, delivering solutions and technology to the telecommunications, oil and gas, renewables, ports and harbours and shipping sectors.
About OMS Group
OMS Group are an award-winning, integrated telecommunications infrastructure company, playing a vital role in global digital connectivity. They specialise in subsea telecommunications installation and maintenance, digital infrastructure and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC).
