Bathymetry & Seabed Survey – Duqm

Bathymetry & Seabed Survey – Duqm

The project was initiated to deliver a comprehensive marine survey to support seawater supply infrastructure for industrial use in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Sultanate of Oman. This included the safe discharge of used seawater. The survey aimed to characterize the shoreline, bathymetry, water quality, seabed features, and metocean conditions to inform the design of intake and outfall systems north of Duqm Port.

The bathymetric survey utilized a single-beam echo sounder to measure depths below 5 meters, achieving an accuracy of ±0.1m vertically and ±0.5m in position. The entire survey area was covered using a 15m x 15m grid spacing, with three specific 160m-wide sections captured at a higher resolution from the Mean Higher High Water mark to offshore limits.

Tide recordings were captured regularly using a Valeport Tide Gauge, while DGPS ensured high-precision horizontal positioning. Survey deliverables were referenced to the national grid and Admiralty Chart Datum, with detailed reports produced at 1:2500 scale.

The survey scope also included intertidal topography, coordinated with bathymetry data, and verification of datum relationships with Port of Duqm and NSA control benchmarks. All data collection adhered to IHO S-44 Order 1a standards.

For metocean monitoring, four ADCPs were deployed at -12m CD for a full lunar cycle, along with two wave and current meter buoys at -20m CD. Seasonal sampling was conducted at 50 locations for water and sediment analysis.

Additional geophysical surveys included seismic and side scan sonar assessments. Twenty water samples were analyzed for suspended sediment concentrations, and fifteen stations were profiled for salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and depth using multi-parameter water probes.

This extensive survey provided essential baseline environmental and geotechnical data for safe and sustainable marine infrastructure development in the Duqm region.