The Port of Salalah, the largest port in Oman, is strategically located in the Dhofar Governorate on the Arabian Sea, a key junction for trade between Asia and Europe. Serving over 2.5 billion consumers across East Africa, the Red Sea, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Arabian Gulf, it plays a crucial role in regional trade. An underwater quay wall survey was necessary to ensure the structural integrity and functionality of the port's facilities.

Scope of the Survey

The survey focused on the quay wall, using advanced equipment and techniques to gather precise underwater data.

Equipments of the Study

• M3 Multibeam Sonar Hydrographic System
• TSS DMS 3-05 Dynamic Motion Sensor
• Sound Velocity Probe – AML SV Probe
• Sound Velocity Profiler – AML SV Profiler
• Data Acquisition & Processing Software: Hypack & Hysweep Software
• Tide Recorder – Valeport Tide Master

Bathymetry Survey Procedure

A pre-survey investigation was conducted to ensure site safety and to meet the client’s survey objectives within the pre-defined survey areas. The following steps were carried out:

• Installed a Valeport tide gauge for tide correction.
• Mounted the GPS antenna at the top of and in the same vertical plane as the M3 Sonar Pole to achieve direct horizontal positioning of the transducer.
• Logged data from the M3 Multibeam Sonar using the navigation computer. Conducted CTDS dips and bar checks before starting the survey each day. Entered draft and mean sound speed values directly into the Hysweep software.
• Utilized the TSS Motion Sensor for Heave, Pitch, and Roll corrections.
• Ensured phase and speed settings for unobstructed records.
• Connected the Hemisphere DGPS for Heading. Used the Leica RTK system with a computer loaded with Hysweep software for GPS position. The computer received corrected GPS-derived Latitude and Longitude, and the Hysweep software converted the antenna position into local UTM projection coordinates.