Project Synopsis: Port of Salalah - Underwater Quay Wall Survey

Customer: Ramboll

Strategically located in the Dhofar Governorate on the Arabian Sea, the Port of Salalah is the largest port in Oman and a crucial hub for trade routes connecting Asia and Europe. Serving over 2.5 billion customers across East Africa, the Red Sea, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Arabian Gulf, the port is a key component of regional trade. To ensure the structural integrity and operational efficiency of its infrastructure, an underwater inspection of the quay wall was essential.

The Survey's Scope: The primary focus of the survey was the quay wall, where detailed underwater data was collected using state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies.

Survey Equipment:

• TSS DMS 3-05 M3 Multibeam Sonar
• Hydrographic System Sound Velocity Probe - AML SV Probe
• Dynamic Motion Sensor
• Sound Velocity Profiler - AML SV Profiler

Data Collection and Processing Software: Hypack & Hysweep Software

Bathymetry Survey Procedure: The survey followed a meticulously planned procedure using the Valeport Tide Master Tide Recorder to ensure accurate and reliable results.

• A pre-survey investigation was conducted within the designated survey areas to meet the client's objectives and ensure site safety.
• A Valeport tide gauge was installed for tide correction.
• The GPS antenna was mounted atop the M3 Sonar Pole in the same vertical plane to ensure accurate horizontal alignment of the transducer.
• Data was logged using the M3 Multibeam Sonar's navigation computer.
• Bar checks and CTD dips were performed before each day's survey to ensure data accuracy.
• Mean sound speed and draft values were immediately inputted into the Hysweep software.
• Heave, pitch, and roll adjustments were made using the TSS Motion Sensor to correct for vessel movement.
• Phase and speed settings were calibrated to ensure clear data recordings.
• Heading was determined using Hemisphere DGPS.
• GPS position was calculated using a Leica RTK system, and corrected latitude and longitude coordinates were converted into local UTM projection using Hysweep software.

Conclusion: The survey of the quay wall at the Port of Salalah was a critical operation that ensured the port's infrastructure remains structurally sound and operationally efficient, reinforcing its status as a vital trade hub in the region.

Client: Ramboll
Project Title: Underwater Quay Wall Survey, Port of Salalah
Location: Port of Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, Oman