Acoustic Technology News

The World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia will be the focus of a new marine research partnership between CSIRO and BHP Billiton Petroleum announced today. Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing reef in the world, extending 300 kilometres along the North West coast of Australia. The five year, jointly funded A$5 million research program will include both deep and shallow reef research, turtle and shark tagging, a PhD scholarship scheme and opportunities to engage the local community, including BHP Billiton Petroleum employees, in Exmouth, WA. Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane, joined CSIRO Executive Director Environment, Dr Andrew Johnson, and BHP Billiton Petroleum General Manager, Doug Handyside to launch the partnership in Perth today.

Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL), New Zealand’s largest marine electronics company and the developer of the WASSP sonar, and FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd of Japan, a manufacturer in the global marine electronics industry, are joining forces. In a joint announcement ENL and FURUNO have announced that FURUNO will take an initial 10% shareholding in ENL and its wholly owned subsidiary WASSP Ltd. This investment reflects not only ENL’s and FURUNO’s near 50-year relationship with ENL representing…

Kongsberg Maritime will introduce the new EM 2040 Compact, a sophisticated multibeam echo sounder for high resolution mapping and inspection applications, during Ocean Business 2013. Based on the EM 2040 multibeam, the EM 2040C is a development in acoustic technology that makes detailed surveys of shallow water possible using small boats and launches. Kongsberg Maritime will also offer another variant, the EM2040CX for use on AUVs, ROVs and other vessels of opportunity. Available in single or dual head configurations…

Alongside the unveiling of a new AUV, Kongsberg Maritime will introduce a new variant of its state-of-the-art EM 2040 multibeam echo sounder during Ocean Business 2013 in April (stand N1). Ocean Business is the ideal launch platform for both new products, which are designed to offer significant new application possibilities for the subsea and survey industry. Other highlights from the leading subsea technology developer during Ocean Business include the return of the popular Kongsberg Maritime demo boat…

GE to acquire Naxys, supplier of leak detection & condition monitoring sensors for subsea applications. Naxys, is a Norway-based provider of subsea leak detection and condition monitoring sensors based on passive acoustic technology. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, further expands GE’s monitoring and sensing solutions and will be part of the company’s Measurement & Control business. This deal is another step towards a stronger GE presence in Norway. “Through its commitment to innovation, Naxys has developed world-class sensor expertise and technology that fits well with GE’s culture and capabilities,” said Brian Palmer, president and CEO of GE Measurement & Control and vice president of GE Energy.

Sonardyne Inc., Houston, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Chapman, founder of MECCO Inc., to its expanding team of sales agents in the United States. Based in Duvall, Washington, Mike has over 30 years of experience in the marine and oceanographic industries and will focus on developing Sonardyne’s business in Western North America. As part of his new role Mike is promoting Sonardyne’s 6G® product range, the latest in acoustic technology. 6G products utilise Sonardyne’s ultra-wideband width…

Recognizing the benefits of Sixth Generation (6G) acoustic technology, Sonar Equipment Services has placed its first order with Sonardyne International Ltd. Based in Great Yarmouth, UK, Sonar Equipment is a leading supplier of high grade geophysical, oceanographic, ROV and hydrographic marine survey equipment to the offshore sector. The order for Sonardyne’s most advanced subsea navigation and data telemetry technology includes ROVNav 6 LBL transceivers and Compatt 6 positioning transponders.

BlueView Technologies has been commissioned to develop the first full ocean depth (11,000 meters), multibeam imaging sonar systems for historic exploration projects by Virgin Oceanic and film director & National Geographic Explorer in Residence James Cameron (Avatar). The new imaging sonar systems will be integrated onto manned and unmanned submersibles destined for the deepest locations on earth, including the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. At more than 6 miles deep the BlueView imaging sonar will withstand immense pressure, more than 8 tons per square inch. Using hundreds of razor-thin acoustic beams the 2D imaging sonar system will aid real-time navigation…

NOAA Ship Fairweather, a 231-foot survey vessel, departed Kodiak, Alaska, today on a mission to conduct hydrographic surveys in remote areas of the Arctic where depths have not been measured since before the U.S. bought Alaska in 1867. NOAA will use the data to update nautical charts to help mariners safely navigate this  important but sparsely charted region, which is now seeing increased vessel traffic because of the significant loss of  Arctic sea ice. Over the next two months, Fairweather will conduct hydrographic surveys covering 402 square nautical miles of navigationally significant waters in Kotzebue Sound, a regional distribution hub in northwestern Alaska in the Arctic Circle.

The board of directors of Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) have announced the appointment of Gareth Hodson as Chief Executive Officer of the company effective from 10 December 2010. Hodson’s career with ENL has spanned nearly 20-years, with his most recent position being General Manager, New Zealand Sales and Service. ENL is a New Zealand distributor of marine electronics including advanced navigation and communication equipment for small pleasure craft through to super yachts, commercial vessels and Navy ships.

Boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine now offers acoustic technology to protect yachts, boats and marinas from intruders. Inferno Intenso Sound Barriers generate a patented, unbearable noise frequency pattern that immediately immobilizes onboard intruders between alarm activation and arrival of security or law enforcement. A single Inferno Intenso covers up to 750 square feet. Larger areas can be covered with several units. Inferno Intenso has passed the demanding testing procedures of the US Department of State for use in security applications. “Inferno Intenso will be available as a standalone deterrent or integrated into our comprehensive boat security…

StarFish, a side scan sonar which produces images of the seabed, now has improved capabilities. Tritech is offering a free upgrade of the StarFish Scanline V2.0 Software. •    New log file format - Allows storage of sensor and environmental parameters. Log files created using Scanline V1.1 will be converted to the new format when they are opened. •    Redesign of the user interface - Utilises the Microsoft Office style ribbon interface. •    Hardware management system improvements - New automatic connection system…

Without much fanfare, VT Halter Marine, Gulfport, Miss. is completing a number of very large and capable vessels for both commercial and U. S. Government interests. The company seems on track with the objectives set last year by CEO Boyd E. "Butch" King to add additional projects to their two shipyards located in the Pascagoula, Miss. area. For example, the company will christen the Oscar Dyson October 17. This is a very unique Fisheries Survey Vessel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Federal Government agency. The vessel is 208 ft. long with a 49-ft. beam and a relatively deep 28-ft. hull that has a maximum draft of 19 ft.. The Oscar Dyson has a steel, ice-classed hull with an aluminum deckhouse and is anticipated to run at 14 knots.

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) announces 15 winners for its inaugural Spotlight on New Technology Program. These winners are recognized before, during and after the 35th annual OTC, 3-6 May, Reliant Center at Reliant Park in Houston. New Technology program, " said Rod Allan, OTC .04 Chairman. Applications for the Spotlight on New Technology were distributed at OTC .03 and were due 9 January 2004. Submissions had to meet four criteria: new and innovative, proven, broad interest, and significant impact. Winners will be recognized on site at this year's conference, scheduled May 3-6, on the exhibition floor and in the registration area. Spotlight on New Technology will continue as an annual recognition program coinciding with OTC.