Unique Group, global leaders in subsea technologies and engineering, has been awarded the UK Ports Innovation Award 2025, recognizing the group's commitment to advancing subsea robotics and hydrographic surveying with Unmanned Surface Vessel technology.
The award was presented at the UK Ports Conference and Awards Ceremony on 3rd September.
The UK Ports Committee nominated Unique Group for the award in recognition of its exceptional advancements in subsea robotics and hydrographic surveying. The committee was particularly impressed by the company’s deployment of the Uni-Mini Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in Western Australia, the first commercial project globally to utilise the Norbit iWBMS multibeam sonar for shallow-water survey applications, demonstrating cutting-edge capability in complex marine environments.
The Uni-Mini has also proven its capabilities closer to home in the UK. Earlier this year, Unique Group successfully deployed the vessel at Blenheim Palace, carrying out high-precision bathymetric surveying across the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s lakes. This project highlighted the vessel’s ability to operate efficiently in shallow, environmentally sensitive inland waters — a growing requirement for UK authorities and operators tasked with maintaining ports, harbours, reservoirs, and coastal infrastructure.
David Rennie, Technical Manager Autonomous Division, Unique Group (UK) receiving the award from Gail Emms, on behalf of UK Ports
Following the committee’s recommendation and strengthened by positive feedback from over 15,000 users and members of the marine and offshore sector, along with a successful polling process, Unique Group was shortlisted and ultimately awarded the title in the Outstanding Innovation in Subsea Robotics & Surveying category.
Developed by Unique Group’s in-house Research & Development team, the Uni-Mini USV exemplifies the company’s ability to deliver compact, autonomous, and sustainable survey systems. The lightweight USV is fully electric and has a proven track record including projects completed in Australia, USA, UK, and the Middle East covering a range of applications including environmental monitoring, hydrographic survey, seabed mapping, coastal survey and harbour monitoring projects.
Jack Dougherty, Global Head of USVs at Unique Group, said: “This award is not just a milestone for our Uni-Mini but a recognition of the entire team’s dedication to driving sustainable, high-performance solutions in subsea surveying. We are proud to see our technology setting new standards in subsea surveying while advancing safer, smarter, and more sustainable offshore operations.”
As demand grows for cleaner, safer, and smarter subsea operations, Unique Group continues to invest in innovations that deliver in the field while contributing to long-term industry progress.