PMO News Portal - A
comprehensive scientific study, conducted by experts from Iran’s Ports and
Maritime Organization has been published in the International Hydrographic
Review—the most prestigious global journal in the field of hydrography and
marine geoscience. The research, carried out at Bushehr Port along the Persian
Gulf, presents a detailed comparison between multi-beam and single-beam
echo-sounding technologies, confirming the reliability and efficiency of
multi-beam systems, aligning with the highest international standards.
Published on May 1, 2025, and updated on June 10, 2025, the
study represents a significant step forward in Iran’s efforts to modernise its
coastal hydrographic operations through advanced surveying technologies.
Study Validates Special Order Accuracy for MBESThe research
team concluded that multi-beam echo sounder (MBES) systems can deliver highly
precise hydrographic data. A statistical analysis showed that the average depth
difference between MBES and traditional single-beam echo sounders (SBES) was
just 0.03 meters. The standard deviation was 0.08 meters with a 98% confidence
interval, and the root mean square error was 0.21 meters. These results confirm
that MBES surveys, when processed according to the IHO S-44 Standard (Edition
6.1.0), fully meet Special Order accuracy criteria.
This level of precision is essential for ensuring safe
navigation and port operations, particularly in areas with intensive dredging
activity and heavy marine traffic. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that
MBES systems can significantly reduce the time and cost of field operations
while providing broader seabed coverage.
Objectives and Methodology
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the
accuracy of MBES data at Bushehr Port and its alignment with international
hydrographic standards. Furthermore, the study compared the performance of MBES
and SBES, evaluated the quality of the digital elevation models derived from
each system, and developed a model to analyze the differences between them.
Another key goal was to calculate volumetric disparities between surfaces
generated by each method and determine practical implications for port maintenance
and dredging.
Depth measurements were collected from the 16-kilometer-long
internal access channel of Bushehr Port to conduct the analysis. Data
processing was carried out using a numerical software, and all necessary
corrections were applied for sound velocity, tidal variations, and system
errors. Depth points obtained via SBES were then interpolated onto the
MBES-generated surfaces to allow for detailed statistical comparisons and
volumetric analyses.
Conditions and Location of Study
Bushehr Port, located on Iran's southern coast along the
Persian Gulf, was chosen as the study area because of its strategic maritime
importance and ongoing dredging activities. The region is characterized by a
flat seabed and a hot, humid climate with an average annual precipitation of
206 mm and mean temperatures around 25°C.
The research focused on the internal section of the channel
because this area is actively monitored and maintained for navigation. The
site's geographical coordinates range from 28° 57′ 30″ to 29° 01′ 30″ north and
from 50° 44′ 30″ to 50° 51′ 30″ east. The study used the chart datum, which is
closely aligned with the lowest astronomical tide, as the reference elevation
surface.
A Milestone for Iran’s Hydrographic Sector
The widespread use of MBES in Iran’s coastal waters is a
recent development. Thus, this research marks a significant advancement in the
country's hydrographic capabilities. Historically, hydrographic surveying in
Iran has relied heavily on SBES. By rigorously analyzing MBES performance and
confirming its alignment with global standards, the study paves the way for the
technology's broader adoption in national projects.
The study's findings provide valuable technical guidance for
Iran’s maritime institutions and other stakeholders aiming to improve survey
accuracy, optimize operational costs, and enhance safety in port and coastal
management.
Research Collaboration and Publication
A group of experts, including Nader Pasandeh, Seyed Shahed
Mosavat, Sepideh Abadpour, Ali Kourosh Niya, Bahman Tajfirooz, Seyed Mojtaba
Zarei, and Amir Hossein Kazemi, conducted the study. The study was carried out
under a formal agreement between the Marine Affairs Department of the Ports and
Maritime Organization and Darya Tarsim Consulting Engineers as part of a
broader initiative.
The International Hydrographic Review is one of the most
respected peer-reviewed journals in hydrography and marine cartography. It is
published under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization
(IHO).
Each contribution reflects a high level of academic rigor
and practical relevance, making the journal a key reference for professionals
engaged in maritime safety, port development, seabed analysis, and subsurface
mapping technologies.
The journal plays a pivotal role in disseminating research
findings and emerging technologies that enhance navigation safety and support
the sustainable development of marine infrastructure.