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Royal Navy hydrographic team surveys Clyde seabed
4 August 2026
A specialist Royal Navy hydrographic team has been conducting continuous seabed surveys in the Firth of Clyde to deliver accurate and up-to-date hydrographic information in support of operations.
The Hydrographic Exploitation Group (HXG), based at HMNB Devonport, employs cutting-edge technology to survey waters ranging from shallow coastal areas to deep ocean environments.
They collect detailed information on water depth, seabed features and seabed composition.
Since spring, Hydrographic eXploitation Group 3 (HXG3) has been deployed to the Firth of Clyde, operating from local towns and marinas to gather data from the seabed.
Operating from one of HXG's three 15-metre Vahana survey vessels, the team has carried out systematic survey operations using specialist hydrographic equipment to collect and analyse bathymetric data across designated survey areas.
The information gathered will contribute to maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the seabed and support future maritime activity.
In addition to collecting valuable hydrographic data, the deployment has provided significant training and development opportunities for personnel.
Working in a challenging conditions has enabled the team to enhance and sustain key hydrographic surveying skills while adapting to a demanding operational task.
The deployment has tested both the capabilities of the equipment and the team's ability to adapt to mission requirements, providing opportunities to revisit specialist techniques that are less frequently employed in modern surveying. These have included the establishment of geodetic base stations and the deployment of tidal monitoring equipment.
Close collaboration with the UK Hydrographic Office has further enhanced the deployment, creating valuable opportunities to share expertise and refine survey methodologies.
This partnership has strengthened the capabilities of both organisations, enabling HXG3 to further develop its technical knowledge while contributing data that supports UK maritime operations.