Bathymetry and Seabed Survey –
Al Ghubrah IWP Plant

Bathymetry and Seabed Survey – Al Ghubrah
IWP Plant

GIS Mappers was appointed to carry out a detailed Bathymetry and Seabed Survey at the Al Ghubrah Independent Water Project (IWP) Plant in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. This mission-critical survey was commissioned to support the design and alignment of marine pipelines, including seawater intake and brine outfall systems for the desalination infrastructure. As a key part of Oman’s water supply strategy, the Al Ghubrah IWP Plant plays a vital role in meeting the growing water demand in Muscat and the surrounding regions.

The objective of this bathymetric survey was to provide an accurate map of the seabed profile, detect sediment distribution, and assess underwater obstacles or anomalies that could affect marine construction. GIS Mappers deployed a combination of high-resolution single-beam and multibeam echo sounder systems to collect detailed depth data, integrated with RTK GNSS positioning and sound velocity profiling to ensure vertical and horizontal accuracy.

Survey operations were carried out in accordance with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO S-44) standards. A tide gauge was installed at a suitable location for tidal correction, and multiple cross-lines were surveyed to ensure data integrity. Our team also conducted sediment classification and seabed imaging using side-scan sonar where required, to assess surface conditions for pipeline laying and structural stability.

Special care was taken to map the route corridors for the proposed pipelines, ensuring alignment with geotechnical and environmental constraints. The data was processed using advanced software such as Hypack, QPS Qimera, and Civil 3D to produce bathymetric charts, contour maps, cross-sections, and 3D terrain models.

The final outputs delivered to the client included seabed profile maps, route corridor plans, and a comprehensive survey report outlining methods, QA/QC procedures, tide models, and marine conditions. This data is now being used by the client’s marine engineering consultants to finalize the design of offshore infrastructure critical to the success of the Al Ghubrah desalination project.

Through this assignment, GIS Mappers reinforced its expertise in marine utility surveys and environmental data collection for large-scale water infrastructure developments in the Gulf region. The success of the Al Ghubrah IWP Plant survey highlights our ability to deliver precision marine data that supports engineering innovation, sustainability, and safe project execution in coastal Oman.