Optionally crewed USV Fremantle 1 launched in WA

Industry professionals from across Australia’s maritime and survey sectors gathered in Fremantle for the official launch of the USV Fremantle 1, a 12-metre Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) built by EGS Survey Australia. The navigational autonomy for USV Fremantle is provided by Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA.

The vessel is designed to improve the efficiency and safety of hydrographic surveying operations and represents a significant enhancement in how survey data is collected and delivered across Australian waters, says Greenroom Robotics.

The launch event took place across two locations, giving attendees a hands-on look at the vessel and how it operates. At Fremantle’s “Sardine Jetty”, the official launch ceremony included the opportunity to inspect the stationary vessel at the jetty. The event then transitioned to EGS’s office and remote operation centre, where the company delivered a live remote demonstration of the USV Fremantle 1 performing various autonomous and remotely operated manoeuvres at sea.

This demonstration showcased the vessel’s real-time control capabilities and the seamless integration between onshore operators and the vessel’s autonomy systems.

Greenroom Robotics buillds the USV Fremantle 1’s GAMA control system, which enables the vessel’s reliable autonomous and remote operations. GAMA has been integrated into the vessel to provide precision, reliability, and operational flexibility, enabling extended and highly autonomous survey missions. With 90% of the USV Fremantle 01’s operations to be conducted autonomously, GAMA enhances mission planning, execution, and safety, helping EGS Survey maximise efficiency while reducing operational risks, says Greenroom Robotics.

Autonomy continues to play an increasingly important role in modern survey operations, the company adds, offering safer, more efficient, and cost-effective ways to collect vital data. “As technology evolves, we’re excited to see how solutions like GAMA can enable industry professionals to push boundaries and access areas that were previously difficult or time-consuming to survey,” Greenroom Robotics said in a statement.