The enhanced variants
Greater deck capacity for larger and multiple payloads, with significantly increased fuel for extended range and endurance.
The EGS Autonomy fleet
Designed, engineered and built in Western Australia
Our Fremantle and Ningaloo-class USVs are WA born and bred, from the first sketch to the maiden voyage. Our vessels span the full operational spectrum, from complex, crewed inshore work to long-endurance uncrewed offshore surveys.
Two complementary classes
Optimised platform for every scope
Our USV-classes are designed for unparalleled mission flexibility. Compact, easy to transport, outfitted with proven hardware and made from marine-grade aluminium, our vessels can be rapidly deployed and easily modified with bespoke loadouts for all forms of marine survey.
A potent force multiplier, the utilisation of a fleet of USVs on a project allows for faster, coordinated, and more efficient data collection, saving time and operational costs.
12 or 20m
Fremantle-class (FM) - optionally crewed
Fully compliant for both crewed and uncrewed operations - the natural choice for mixed tasks and teams new to USVs. The crew can stay aboard through early familiarisation, then the same vessel can operate uncrewed. The optimal tool for coastal and nearshore work: shoal areas, ports and shipping channels, where conditions are complex and on-site control is preferred.
12 or 20m
Ningaloo-class (NL) - purpose-built for uncrewed endurance
The Ningaloo class has been designed from the outset for uncrewed operation. The extra space afforded by the lack of a crew cabin allows for a significant increase in fuel and payload. The result is a platform built to go further, carry more, and stay out longer.
A complementary pair - the two classes are designed to work together. On a single mission, Ningaloo-class runs the long, repetitive offshore search and survey patterns well out from the coast, while the Fremantle-class works the inshore complexity at the same time - shoals, ports and shipping channels, with crew aboard for the closest approaches to shore and hazards. Two hulls, one mission, twice the coverage.
FM 20 Class
Go further, achieve more
Both classes are available in a 20 m configuration - Increased length and beam, yet still road-transportable as an oversize load. The enhanced variants deliver greater deck capacity and endurance while remaining part of the same unified fleet.
FM 12 m vs FM 20 m: Two platforms, one operating model
Both remotely piloted from EGS's Fremantle Remote Operations Centre. The difference is how long she can stay out.
FM 12 MFM 20 M
Length11.9 m20.0 m
Beam2.7 m3.5 m
Displacement~8 t~22–30 t
Fuel capacity2,300 L15,500 L
Propulsion1 × Yanmar 80 kW2 × Yanmar 110 kW
Both transportable by truck
Fremantle 12m Class
Fremantle 20m Class
Fuel On Board
FM 12 M0 L
FM 20 M0 L
04,0008,00012,00016,000 L
AT 7 KNOTS
Range
FM 12 M0 nm
FM 20 M0 nm
02,0004,0006,0008,000 nm
Days On Task
FM 12 M0 days
FM 20 M0 days
012253750 days
7× fuel capacity
15,500 litres
3× range
6,500+ nm
4× endurance
40 days on mission
Twin-engine redundancy
Two independent drivelines bring genuine engine redundancy - get-home capability and stay-on-task even if one engine is lost, far from shore.
DP0 station-holding
Twin screws plus a bow thruster give DP0 dynamic positioning - holding bow-to-weather for precision deployments and the launch and recovery of deck-deployed payloads.
Capability comparison
Key metrics across the fleet
Indicative survey and payload modes across the four configurations.
| Specification | Fremantle 12 | Fremantle 20 | Ningaloo 12 | Ningaloo 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull-mounted survey | ||||
| Dual-head multibeam (MBES) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sub-bottom profiler | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deck-launched payload & LARS | ||||
| Small payload LARS (<200 kg) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Towed survey LARS | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AUV launch & recovery | - | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Work-class ROV launch & recovery | - | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Traditional vs USV - indicative comparison
The Benefits of working with USVs
| Cost | Traditional 35m vessel | Fremantle-class USV | USV saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 10-15 | 4 | 60-73% |
| Fuel per day (L) | 2,000-4,000 | 100-200 | 90-97.5% |
| CO₂ per day (t) | 5-10 | 0.2-0.5 | 90-98% |
Interested in chartering a vessel?
Talk to UsRemote Operations Centre (ROC)
The operating base
The USVs are operated from a Remote Operations Centre. EGS operates its own ROC from its Fremantle headquarters, staffed around the clock with two USV pilots, hydrographic surveyors, an operations manager and a logistics assistant. Command and control runs through the Greenroom Robotics GAMA system, with line-of-sight and over-the-horizon control. EGS Autonomy can assist you with the establishment of your own ROC at any onshore location with stable, redundant internet.
