JUNE 2024 - AUS-ROV ENHANCES SNOWY HYDRO’S TUNNEL ASSET INSPECTIONS
AUS-ROV conducted long-distance tunnel inspection across Snowy Hydro's flooded headrace and tailrace infrastructure using advanced ROV systems capable of multi-kilometre penetration. Inspection scope included structural assessment, sediment profiling, and defect identification across critical hydroelectric conveyance tunnels supporting renewable energy generation operations without operational disruption or dewatering requirements.
SEPTEMBER 2024 - JUNE 2025 AUS-ROV SUPPORTS GEMCO WHARF RECOVERY ON GROOTE EYLANDT
Following cyclone damage to GEMCO Wharf infrastructure on Groote Eylandt, AUS-ROV provided ROV inspection services and multibeam bathymetric surveys supporting McConnell Dowell and Liberty Industrial's fast-tracked remediation program for South32. Subsea surveys delivered real-time structural visibility for demolition planning and as-built verification in challenging marine conditions, reducing diver exposure in waters with confirmed crocodile and shark populations.
NOVEMBER 2023 ROV GENERAL VISUAL INSPECTION AT PARADISE DAM FOR SUNWATER
AUS-ROV performed comprehensive ROV general visual inspection of Paradise Dam's submerged structural components for SunWater, including intake tower infrastructure, spillway elements, and upstream face assessment. High-resolution video and sonar data acquisition supported engineering condition assessment informing Queensland Government decisions on long-term asset viability and potential downstream replacement infrastructure.
OCTOBER 2023 AUS-ROV PROVIDING ROV SERVICES FOR GOVERNMENT RECOVERY OPERATION
AUS-ROV deployed multibeam sonar image mapping, ROV photogrammetry survey, and subsea object recovery systems during a 10-week Government-led search operation. Project scope included acoustic target identification, and Australian Defence Force asset recovery. Detailed project specifics remain confidential under government protocols.
FEBRUARY 2023 INSPECTING BROGO DAM INTAKE TOWER FOR WATERNSW ON THE SOUTH COAST OF NSW
ROV general visual inspection of Brogo Dam intake tower infrastructure for WaterNSW on the NSW South Coast. Inspection methodology enabled detailed assessment of submerged concrete and steel structural elements, coating condition, and mechanical component integrity through zero-visibility conditions where diver-based inspection was not operationally feasible. Deliverables included annotated HD video, defect logs, and engineering condition assessment reporting.
OCTOBER 2022 ROV INTERVENTION PROJECT UNDERTAKING CLEANING, UT & CP OF PILES FOR SHELL AT QCLNG
AUS-ROV conducted ROV intervention services on LNG jetty pile infrastructure at Shell's QCLNG Terminal, Curtis Island. Scope included high-pressure water jetting (marine growth removal), ultrasonic thickness testing (UT), and cathodic protection (CP) potential measurement across submerged steel pile elements. ROV-integrated tooling enabled combined cleaning, NDT, and corrosion assessment without jetty operational shutdown or scaffolding requirements.
SEPTEMBER 2022 ROV INTERVENTION PROJECT FOR MCCONNELL DOWELL AT ADELAIDE DESALINATION PLANT OUTFALL TUNNEL
AUS-ROV’s systems come equipped with high-definition cameras and specialised sensors to provide detailed visual inspections, detecting corrosion, damage, blockages and other anomalies. Operating remotely reduces the need for human divers therefore eliminating safety risks and allowing for complete inspection of the 1.6km and 1km tunnels. Overall, ROV technology offers a safe, efficient, and comprehensive method for inspecting desalination plant tunnels, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of the infrastructure.
AUGUST 2021 AUS-ROV PERFORMS 3D SONAR MODELLING OF CURRUMBIN M1 MOTORWAY BRIDGE PILES FOR SEYMOUR WHYTE CONSTRUCTIONS
AUS-ROV are renowned industry front runners in underwater technology services. Our ability to capture three dimensional sonar data of underwater structures using highly sophisticated technology and modelling software makes us the superior choice for projects that do not conform to standard technical boundaries. AUS-ROV utilised the Teledyne BlueView 5000 underwater 3D multibeam sonar for point data acquisition for determining accurate spatial positioning of underwater bridge structural components.
NOVEMBER 2020 ROV GENERAL VISUAL INSPECTION AND SONAR SURVEY OF WATER FILTRATION PLANT
AUS-ROV was commisioned to undertake structural assessment of a water filtration plant in Sydneys South East. The variability in the untreated raw water was cause for concern in reliability of high definition video camera and hence 2D multibeam imaging sonar was used in conjunction with. Combining the multibeam survey of concrete surfaces with a visual camera follow up on identified defects provides a significant time saving methodology of inspection meaning we don’t waste days on site looking at structures through murky water at close range. The quality of the sonar image in relation to a deviation in the concretes surface is demonstrated in the below comparison between sonar image and video image.
OCTOBER 2020 WATER STORAGE DAM HIGH RESOLUTION 2D IMAGING SONAR SURVEY
AUS-ROV utilised the Teledyne SeaBotix vLBV300 Remotely Operated Vehicle System to position and survey a dam wall surface using Teledyne BlueView M900/2250 - 130 2D two dimensional high resolution multibeam sonar to detect deviations in surface profile, concrete spalling, cracking, deterioration and condition of previously installed repairs or patchwork. The sonar data is captured and later post processed to achieve a 2D high resolution image of the entire dam wall. A UAV was utilised to capture the above water dam structure in HD Video and this data used to generat a photogrammetric model allowing AUS-ROV personnel to present the entire upstream face of the dam structure in a high resolution 2D hybrid photo mosaic.
OCTOBER 2020 REMOTELY OPERATED UNDERWATER VEHICLE DAM INTAKE STRUCTURE INSPECTIONS
AUS-ROV perform small footprint rapid mobilisation services for water asset owners around the country. Some of our ROV’s are small enought to check in on domestic airlines flights and enable us to urgently get observation class eyes on the subject within short timeframes… when it matters most! Dam infrastructure generally involves multiple stakeholders including hydro power generation, agriculture and domestic water supply, all of which cannot afford to have downtime. AUS-ROV understands when emergencies occur that timing is of the essence and we have a proven track record for delivering ROV inspection services within critical timeframes.
OCTOBER 2020 INTERNAL ROV INSPECTION OF DAM SCOUR PIPELINE AT CASCADE DAM BLUE MOUNTAINS SYDNEY NSW
Through collaborating with commercial diving companies over the years, AUS-ROV has been able to access some intrinsically difficult to reach places. Subsea Global Solutions (formerly Gray Diving Services) are one outfit that have recognised the value in collaboration between diver and remote operated vehicle, in fact the US Navy have in recent years adopted the SRS Fusion being a hybrid ROV/AUV which also can be used as a Diver Navigation & Propulsion System. There remains a robust relationship between man and machine, one prime example is the use of diver and inspection class ROV for conduction internal surveys of tunnels and pipelines with access hatches or grates. Divers can be utilised for means of accessing underwater confined spaces however the hazards once inside pose too high a risk and physical challenge to warrant performing the inspection much beyond this point. This is where the advantages of ROV can be exemplified. In the instance of Cascade Dam, a diver was deployed to unbolt a hatch which then allowed an ROV to enter into a 400mm diameter scour pipeline and conduct internal visual inspection up to the downstream valve at a distance of approximately 220m. Both Diver and ROV have their uses in modern day underwater operations and we will continue to see this symbiotic relationship in years to come.
AUSGUST 2020 SEDIMENTATION PROFILING SONAR SURVEY OF STORMWATER OUTFALL USING ROV
Desilting stormwater pipelines presents its own set of challenges for councils and state asset owners. One difficulty is providing companies with accurate quantification and composition of sediment accretion within pipelines, culverts and tunnels. AUS-ROV has developed systems which allow for accurate 3D modelling within conduits to enable stakeholders to assess the quantity of sediment within their water infrastructure. These surveying techniques can then be repeated periodically or after contractors complete pigging or desilting in order to guage the extent or success in removing foreign debris and sedimentation. Comparitave reporting can inform asset management of rates of accretion or assist in developing an understanding of the effects of storm, flood or tidal surge mechanisms. AUS-ROV’s specialist engineers, with decades of experience in stormwater and coastal engineering, can provide clarity on the general internal condition of conduits in what is otherwise typically a difficult asset to manage with traditional diving and confined space entry.
JULY 2020 WIVENHOE DAM ROV GENERAL VISUAL INSPECTION AND CP SURVEY FOR GHD & SEQWATER
AUS-ROV carried out an ROV GVI and CP Survey of Seqwater’s Dam at Lake Wivenhoe in South East Queensland. The cathotic potential survey measured the potential in submerged structural steel elements to support GHD consulting engineers deliver their assessment. AUS-ROV's is a world leader in the water sector for delivering advanced technological robotic solutions for infrastructure inspection.
JULY 2020 ADELAIDE DESALINATION PLANT INTAKE TUNNEL ROV GENERAL VISUAL INSPECTION
AUS-ROV utilised their 5km military grade fiber optic tether and the SRS Fusion ROV to inspect a 1500m intake tunnel in Adelaide, South Australia. The SRS Fusion ROV is fitted with a suite of advanced sensors and technology that enables this system to capture extremely accurate spatial data, high definition video, side scan sonar and forward facing multibeam sonar imagery all factory integrated into a compact battery powered hybrid ROV/AUV. AUS-ROV’s specialist long distance tunnel inspection team have successfully executed another long distance tunnel inspection in South Australia.
NOVEMBER 2020 AGNES WATER DESALINATION PLANT PUSHROD CAMERA PIPELINE INSPECTION
Small diameter pipelines can be a difficult type of infrastructure to internally inspect. The nature of pipelines tightly enclosed confined space environment and in-line obstacles such as valves, bends, junctions, tapers and internal foreign objects or blockages, requires inspection service providers to carry a multitude of different technology sensors, CCTV cameras, remote operated systems and inspection devices to cover the diverse range of infrastructure inspection scenarios encountered on routine inspection projects across industrial sectors throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific. AUS-ROV utilises a pushrod cctv camera when inspection methodology is governed by access limitations. In this inspection at the Agnes Water Desalination Plant, AUS-ROV was able to insert a camera into a 400mm diameter pipeline and negotiate three large radial bends before travelling a further 50m up the pipeline to inspect the internal condition. AUS-ROV maintains its commitment to our clients in that we will go out of our way to offer whatever is required to achieve a successful outcome for any inspection project.
JUNE 2020 AUS-ROV CONTINUES TO DELIVER UNRIVALLED POTABLE WATER TANK RESERVOIR INSPECTIONS FOR SYDNEY NSW
AUS-ROV’s continues partnership with Sydney Water to assist in delivering high quality safe drinking water to Australia’s largest city of over 5.23 million people. Our potable water inspection ROV systems are providing the highest level of detail and critical information for the safe operation and delivery of Sydney’s drinking water from Palm Beach to Gerringong to the Blue Mountains. When you go to the tap for a glass of water, rest assured that AUS-ROV have had their inspection systems inside the tank that delivers to your tap. Our professional personnel, advances robotic systems and strict disinfection procedures guarantees the highest level of details are provided to Sydney Water to enable their team to make precise and informed decisions on the management of the city’s most important assets.
APRIL 2020 HERITAGE NSW DISCOVERY OF HISTORIC SHIPWRECK SS WOLLINGBAR II
Inside the incredible lost shipwreck of an Australian freighter torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II as it's discovered 77 years later
SS Wollongbar II found by local fishing community off NSW mid-north coast
Freight vessel destroyed by Japanese torpedoes, killing 32 people on-board
Ship was carrying butter and bacon when it was destroyed in 1943
SS Wollongbar's load washed up on shore sparking a boom in cake making
JULY 2019 AUS-ROV PERFORMING TANK INSPECTIONS FOR ORIGIN ENERGY
AUS-ROV has long partnered with Origin to perform ROV inspection services on water assets. Over the years there is one thing that always stands true in every aspect of their operations… SAFETY FIRST. The culture of safe work is deeply embedded in the daily activities of each and every staff member at Origin and through setting such examples, AUS-ROV has been able to constantly improve not only our Safety Management Systems but also ingrain safety into the minds of our personnel so that we stay switched on not only at work, but in everything we do. ROVs are a safe and reliable way of eliminating risk to personnel entering confined spaces. Prioritising elimination of the risk is the safest way of getting the job done.
FEBRUARY 2019 AUS-ROV RECOVERS ROV STUCK 600M INSIDE A HYDRO TUNNEL IN VICTORIA
AUS-ROV was engaged by an energy generation company to takeover an inspection that was attempted by a third party dive contractor who was unfortunate to proceed with an inspection of a 900m length of tunnel with an unproven ROV. By splicing copper umbilical beyond the effective limit of copper data transmission the ROV lost comms and became lodged when the dead sub was being retrieved via it’s umbilical. AUS-ROV was contacted by the energy generator and mobilised to Mount Beauty in Victoria that week. AUS-ROV recovered the lodged ROV and completed the inspection flawlessly. We are professional and experienced in everything we do and repeat business is not an objective but a pleasure. We look forward to supporting our energy sector clients throughout the operational lifetime of AUS-ROV.