Ocean Science Technology (OST) is pleased to announce the addition of OceanScan-MST to our global supplier ecosystem. Their new supplier profile showcases the company’s lightweight autonomous underwater vehicles (LAUVs), designed to deliver flexible, high-quality data collection for oceanographic research, hydrographic surveying and environmental monitoring.
Founded as a spin-off from the University of Porto’s Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory (LSTS), OceanScan-MST specializes in developing modular AUV solutions tailored to diverse subsea applications. Its LAUV platform combines portable, one-person deployment, operation and recovery with customizable sensor payloads, advanced navigation capabilities and comprehensive mission management software. Available in 100 m and 400 m depth configurations, the vehicle offers speeds of up to 6 knots and typical endurance of 8–12 hours at 3 knots.
Key capabilities of OceanScan-MST’s LAUV platform include:
- Modular Survey Payloads: Integration of side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounders, synthetic aperture sonar, imaging sonar and optical cameras for seabed mapping and underwater imaging.
- Oceanographic and Environmental Monitoring: Support for CTD, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll and other specialized sensors, including MicroRider instrumentation for turbulence measurements.
- Advanced Navigation and Communications: Configurable DVL, inertial navigation, USBL and RTK capabilities, alongside Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite and underwater acoustic communications.
- Neptus Mission Management Software: Open-source command and control tools for mission planning, simulation, execution and post-mission data analysis, supporting single or multiple AUV operations.
- Manta Communications Gateway: A portable, waterproof solution enabling wireless and acoustic connectivity between operators and underwater vehicles during survey missions.
Designed for operational flexibility, the LAUV supports applications ranging from marine biology and environmental observation to offshore energy exploration, marine archaeology and mine countermeasures. Its compact design enables deployment from shorelines, piers and small vessels without specialized lifting equipment, reducing logistical requirements for field operations.
OceanScan-MST’s technology has also been demonstrated in coordinated acoustic and magnetic surveys, turbulence research and naval minehunting applications. With configurable payloads and an open-source software architecture, the LAUV provides researchers, hydrographers and marine operators with an adaptable platform for collecting high-quality underwater data.
To learn more about OceanScan-MST’s autonomous underwater vehicles and marine survey solutions, visit their full profile on Ocean Science Technology:
https://www.oceansciencetechnology.com/company/oceanscan-mst/
