Vibrocoring collects core samples of seabed sub‑strata sediments using a vibrating mechanism attached to a metallic core, driven into the sediment by gravity enhanced by vibration energy.The lightweight rig does not rely on mass for penetration, but liquefaction and its portability allows fast relocation if initial core return is poor.Vibrocores are most effective in unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments such as sandy and silty materials. They are less effective in relatively dry soils (clay, compacted sand or consolidated sediments). Core retrieval depths vary depending on unknown seabed composition.After penetration, vibration stops and the core is withdrawn without sample loss. Cores are sub‑sampled (Top, Middle & Bottom), photographed, logged and sent to an accredited laboratory.

Day Grab, sampling area 0.1m², deployed via stainless steel wire bridle. Buckets release on seabed contact and close automatically during retrieval. Van Veen Grab, sampling area 0.045m², used for smaller quantities or restricted deployment conditions. Includes stainless steel flaps for sub‑sampling access. Samples are sent to a UKAS‑accredited laboratory for testing (e.g. Marine Scotland Revised Action Level 1). A factual report is produced on completion.Sampling typically supports dredging campaign licence applications for material removal and disposal.

Classification Reports

Acoustic seabed classification provides data on seabed sediment characteristics and shallow sub‑strata, supporting offshore renewables, foundation design, cable/pipeline burial and environmental planning.Information is collected using remote sensing methods including: Singlebeam echosounders Multibeam echosounders (topography + backscatter) Side‑scan sonar (extensive spatial coverage) Sub-bottom profiling (acoustic seabed penetration) Data is analysed using industry software to classify acoustic groups. Classification maps are ground‑verified using surface grabs or visual imagery to identify sediment types such as fine/medium sand, shingle, gravel, coarse sand and mud.Comparison with side‑scan sonar imagery allows delineation of class extents and identification of seabed features. Grab samples or imagery quantify these clusters, supporting dredge site assessments and material disposal planning.

Seabed sampling & reports

Why is Seabed intelligence important?

Seabed intelligence is fundamental for projects involving dredging, marine construction, offshore renewable development, cable and pipeline burial, benthic studies and marine licensing.

What is Seabed Sampling?

Our sampling techniques are supported by accredited laboratory testing, and our seabed classification workflows utilise industry‑standard acoustic systems combined with ground‑truthing for accuracy. This ensures reliable datasets for engineering, environmental and regulatory requirements.

Seabed Sampling & Reports

Our Approach

We apply clear, practical problem‑solving supported by a network of marine specialists. Using sampling equipment and acoustic technologies, we collect, analyse and interpret seabed data with precision.

All findings are logged, photographed where relevant and processed through accredited systems to ensure full quality assurance.

Our Seabed Services

Our geotechnical physical survey services include a range of techniques to recover sample material from the seabed and underlying sub‑strata for testing and analytical purposes. These include both cores and surface grabs, using a range of equipment and methodologies appropriate to the site conditions.

Vibrocoring
Vibrocoring collects core samples of seabed sub‑strata sediments using a vibrating mechanism attached to a metallic core, driven into the sediment by gravity enhanced by vibration energy.
The lightweight rig does not rely on mass for penetration, but liquefaction and its portability allows fast relocation if initial core return is poor.
Vibrocores are most effective in unconsolidated, waterlogged sediments such as sandy and silty materials. They are less effective in relatively dry soils (clay, compacted sand or consolidated sediments). Core retrieval depths vary depending on unknown seabed composition.
After penetration, vibration stops and the core is withdrawn without sample loss. Cores are sub‑sampled (Top, Middle & Bottom), photographed, logged and sent to an accredited laboratory.
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Surface Grabs
- Day Grab, sampling area 0.1m², deployed via stainless steel wire bridle. Buckets release on seabed contact and close automatically during retrieval.
- Van Veen Grab, sampling area 0.045m², used for smaller quantities or restricted deployment conditions. Includes stainless steel flaps for sub‑sampling access.
Samples are sent to a UKAS‑accredited laboratory for testing (e.g. Marine Scotland Revised Action Level 1). A factual report is produced on completion.
Sampling typically supports dredging campaign licence applications for material removal and disposal.
Read + Read -
Get in touch
Classification Reports
Acoustic seabed classification provides data on seabed sediment characteristics and shallow sub‑strata, supporting offshore renewables, foundation design, cable/pipeline burial and environmental planning.
Information is collected using remote sensing methods including:
- Singlebeam echosounders
- Multibeam echosounders (topography + backscatter)
- Side‑scan sonar (extensive spatial coverage)
- Sub-bottom profiling (acoustic seabed penetration)
Data is analysed using industry software to classify acoustic groups. Classification maps are ground‑verified using surface grabs or visual imagery to identify sediment types such as fine/medium sand, shingle, gravel, coarse sand and mud.
Comparison with side‑scan sonar imagery allows delineation of class extents and identification of seabed features. Grab samples or imagery quantify these clusters, supporting dredge site assessments and material disposal planning.
Read + Read -
Get in touch