Procurement of Two Micro-AUV Systems for Marine Habitat Mapping in Irish Waters

Queen's University Belfast, in partnership with the MOSAIC project funded under SEUPB's PeacePLUS programme, is seeking suppliers to provide two micro Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems for marine habitat mapping and conservation planning around the Northern Ireland and Donegal coastline. The systems will support scientific research on OSPAR-listed elasmobranch species and seabed habitat association modelling. The procurement includes supply, delivery, training, and commissioning of complementary platforms: one SSS (Side Scan Sonar) equipped AUV for benthic habitat mapping and one photogrammetry-equipped AUV for detailed seabed imagery, egg case detection, and microhabitat annotation. The AUVs must operate autonomously at depths of 30–300 metres, delivering high-resolution sonar imagery and georeferenced photogrammetric datasets. This autonomous solution addresses limitations of traditional survey methods by providing safe, repeatable, weather-independent, and cost-efficient marine surveys. Qualified suppliers should demonstrate expertise in micro-AUV systems, sonar integration, photogrammetry payloads, and the ability to provide comprehensive training and commissioning support.