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Kongsberg Seatex News

05 Apr 2022

SAFEMATE Autonomous Vesel Project Launched

The SAFEMATE project will pilot an automated navigation decision support system on the Bastø VI ferry. (Photo: Torghatten AS)

A newly launched autonomous vessel project aims to improve and assess the safety and efficiency of autonomous navigation systems and deploy a pilot on an operational ferry.Partners DNV, Kongsberg Maritime, Kongsberg Seatex, Bastø Fosen and NTNU announced the launch of the new SAFE Maritime Autonomous Technology (SAFEMATE) project, at the Nor-Shipping trade fair on Tuesday.The promise of automating more functions in shipping shows great potential, and interest continues to grow throughout the industry as more projects are developed.

09 Jun 2021

Need a Survey? There’s a USV for That

Blue Essence hybrid USV. Image courtesy Fugro

While the adoption of unmanned/uncrewed surfaces vessels (USVs) was initially in defence, use of these low footprint systems has spread into other sectors, not least survey, and now the race is on for greater capability, endurance and autonomy. Elaine Maslin reports.After starting small, in inland waterways, use of USVs for survey operations has moved into coastal and now offshore waters. Given the extensive amount of seabed and rapid growth in offshore wind, there’s plenty of work out there for them to do.With the travel restrictions posed by Covid and increasing awareness of climate change…

25 Nov 2018

Kongsberg Marine Bags Award for DPS

The state-of-the-art DPS i-Series Differential Positioning System has won the ‘Innovative Dredging Technology of the Year’ category at the Dredging and Port Construction Awards 2018.The judges highlighted the unique system as a powerful tool for dredging contractors who can now leverage the same abilities for high-precision applications as offshore operators; using sensor technology combined with satellite positioning systems to improve not just the position of dredging vessels but also their efficiency.Ines Nastali, the editor of Dredging and Port Construction, a tightly focused business and technical journal for the dredging industry celebrating its 50th anniversary this year…

31 May 2018

EU-backed Autonomous Shipping Project Moves Forward

KONGSBERG’s Ocean Space Drones 1 and 2 will be test platforms in the H2H project (Image: KONGSBERG)

Hull to Hull (H2H), an EU-funded research project established to develop technical solutions for safer navigation in close proximity of other stationary or moving vessels and objects, is in its Concept Definition phase and will move on to the Technology Adaption and Integrations Work Package (WP03) this summer.H2H was established in November 2017 to develop solutions using the European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS), EGNOS and Galileo, that can enhance safety in busy waters and during close maneuvering…

13 Oct 2017

New Integrated Solution for DP Reference Systems

DPS 12 & i4 (Photo: Kongsberg)

Fusing its decades of experience within the development of in-house GNSS and inertial technology, Kongsberg has created a cutting-edge integrated solution for DP reference applications. DPS i2 and DPS i4 are fully scalable DP reference solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety for high-precision applications. The new integrated solution has been in operation aboard the OSV Bourbon Arctic in Northern Norway for the past six months. DPS i2 and DPS i4 utilize Kongsberg’s motion gyro compass (MGCTM) and motion reference unit (MRUTM) technology.

14 Jul 2017

Microsatellites Launched for Maritime Monitoring, Comms and Science

NORsat-1 in EMC test at SFL. Two AIS antennas may be seen at the top, and four Langmuir probes off to the sides. The solar wings of the satellite are at the bottom. (Photo: Space Flight Laboratory)

The Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) announced the successful launch of two Norwegian microsatellites developed and built by SFL for the Norwegian Space Centre with support from the Norwegian Coastal Authority, Space Norway and the European Space Agency. The Soyuz-2.1a rocket carrying the satellites into orbit launched from Baikonur at 06:36:49 UTC Friday, July 14, 2017. Shortly after launch both satellites were contacted from ground stations in Svalbard and Vardo, Norway. Both satellites are healthy based on initial telemetry, and commissioning is underway.

27 Jun 2017

Maritime Broadband Radio: First Wireless Network at Sea

Maritime Broadband Radio, MBR, is also installed on the Coastal Administration’s surveillance plane LN- KYV. (Photo: Kongsberg Seatex AS)

Norway has become the first nation to implement maritime broadband communication on ships and planes in public service, enabling exchange of information that can be crucial in limiting damage when accidents occur. Kongsberg Seatex and Radionor have teamed up to develop Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR), which the Norwegian companies say is, in contrast to previous systems, highly stable and has extensive reach. Among other capabilities, MBR also enables streaming of HD-video. MBR does not require an internet connection to connect units in the network…

16 May 2017

e-Navigation Concepts Demonstrated in Singapore

Photo courtesy of Kongsberg

The SESAME Straits project utilizes e-Navigation concepts to reduce maritime traffic congestion and hot spots, as well as improve traffic safety and efficiency. Leading up to the recent Singapore Maritime Technology Conference, the project conducted a successful demonstration in close collaboration with Maritime and Port Authority in Singapore. The SESAME Straits project (Secure, Efficient, and Safe maritime traffic Management in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore) is a 3-year joint Singapore and Norway project…

30 Mar 2017

Look to the Nordics for Digital Maritime Solutions

Birgit Liodden (Photo: Nor-shipping)

Birgit Liodden, Director of Nor-Shipping, argues that Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland have the infrastructure, understanding and ambition to drive the digital transformation shipping requires for future sustainability and success. The world isn’t standing still, and shipping can’t afford to. The pace of change in society is accelerating every day, enabled by digitalization and facilitated by individuals and firms that see potential rather than challenges. New business models can be born overnight, efficiencies unlocked with the tap of a screen, and resources utilized as never before.

04 Oct 2016

Test Bed for Autonomous Shipping Opens in Norway

Trondheimsfjord  (Photo: Kongsberg Maritime

An extensive area of the Trondheimsfjord in Northern Norway was designated as an official test bed for autonomous shipping by the Norwegian Coastal Authority (NCA), during a special event in Trondheim, Norway on Friday, September 30th 2016. As potentially the first coastal area in the world officially dedicated to the development of technology for autonomous ships, the new test bed is set to become a vital facility for the future of shipping. Norwegian maritime technology company…

15 Oct 2015

North Sea Trials for Inter-vessel Communications

MBR connects all vessels in complex offshore operations. (Photo: Kongsberg)

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA), Norwegian Coast Guard and the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) took part in a full-scale trial of Kongsberg Maritime’s Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) inter-vessel communication system in the North Sea this June. During the North Sea exercise MBR was used as the communication platform for data exchange and coordination of simultaneous operations. Units were mounted on multiple operational assets, including a plane that streamed real-time surveillance video directly to the vessels…

09 Jul 2015

Kongsberg Maritime Delivers Space-based AIS

Image: Kongsberg Maritime

On July 8 2015, ESA authorized the delivery of KONGSBERG’s fourth generation SAT-AIS Receiver flight models, to the Norwegian Space Center; for integration into the NORSAT-1 satellite. With this delivery, KONGSBERG further strengthens its position as a supplier of space-based infrastructure in the maritime domain. NORSAT-1 is scheduled for launch in Q1 2016 and will be Norway’s fourth AIS capable satellite to embed an AIS Receiver from Kongsberg Seatex AS. The delivery is in line with previous payload models provided by Kongsberg Seatex…

15 Apr 2015

DP System Donated to NTNU Research Vessel

Photo courtesy of Kongsberg

Kongsberg Maritime has donated and installed a K-Pos Dynamic Positioning System aboard the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) owned R/V Gunnerus research vessel. The donation and KONGSBERG’s continued support of the University was recognized at a VIP ceremony at the NTNU in Trondheim, Norway, yesterday (14th April 2015). In operation for NTNU since 2006, R/V Gunnerus is equipped with the latest technology for a variety of research activities within biology, technology, geology, archaeology, oceanography and fisheries.

02 Apr 2014

Space Age Developement For Blue Force AIS

The AIS 300BF is tailor-made for vessels undertaking demanding coast guard, anti-piracy, navy and boarder police operations. Image copyright - Torbjørn Kjosvold / Forsvarets mediearkiv.

Kongsberg Seatex announced the launch of a new generation of Blue Force (BF) Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), the AIS 300BF. The unit, which supersedes the current AIS 200BF, offers outstanding secure mode abilities alongside unique AIS receiver sensitivity and robustness – refinements made possible by Kongsberg Seatex’s involvement in a number of pioneering AIS space projects. The AIS 300BF is tailor-made for vessels undertaking demanding coast guard, antipiracy, navy and boarder police operations.

17 Oct 2013

Kongsberg Launches Laser-based Reference System

SpotTrack delivers range and bearing measurements and is primarily intended for Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations.

Kongsberg Seatex launched SpotTrack, a multi-target laser based relative position reference system. SpotTrack delivers accurate range and bearing measurements and is primarily intended for Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. Kongsberg Describes SpotTrack as a robust, lightweight, motion stabilized rotating laser sensor offering precision range and bearing readings to one or multiple retro-reflective targets. As a multi-target sensor, SpotTrack uses an advanced detection system and tracking algorithms for true target recognition – minimizing lock-on to false reflections.

09 Oct 2013

Kongsberg Launch SpotTrack™ DP Reference System

SpotTrack™ device: Image credit Kongsberg

Kongsberg Seatex's SpotTrack™ is an advanced multi-target laser based relative position reference system. SpotTrack delivers accurate range and bearing measurements and is primarily intended for Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. SpotTrack™ is a highly robust, yet lightweight, motion stabilised rotating laser sensor offering precision range and bearing readings to one or multiple retro-reflective targets. As a multi-target sensor, it uses an advanced detection system and tracking algorithms for true target recognition – minimising lock-on to false reflections.

12 Mar 2013

MCA Publish DP Relative Positioning Guidance

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published “Guidance on RADius Relative Positioning System” (IMCA M 224) describing the RADius microwave radar system. The development of dynamic positioning (DP) systems has grown over the past 35 years, with reliable and robust methods of positioning essential for safe vessel operations at offshore installations. This growth has in turn stimulated the development of DP position measurement sensors which have become more sophisticated as technology has allowed. “This new document is produced by IMCA as an aid to members and others using position reference systems and forms part of a series of documents on the available systems,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.

14 Mar 2012

Kongsberg Seatex Introduces Two New Motion Reference Units

Kongsberg Seatex, Kongsberg Maritime’s position reference specialist division, is launching two new Motion Reference Units (MRU). Both products have been designed specifically for survey and crane operations, and outside installations, such as heli-deck monitoring. The new MRU 3 is designed for roll, pitch and heave compensation applications, including real-time heave compensation of echo sounders during survey operations and active heave compensation of offshore cranes. It provides heave measurements to meet IHO standards, ensuring that echo sounder data is highly accurate pre- and post-processing, while offshore crane safety and efficiency can be also be improved. The MRU 3 achieves reliability by using solid state sensors with no rotational or mechanical parts.

24 Feb 2012

Survey Capabilities Enhanced with Kongsberg

Vessel and portable echosounders for the Spanish Hydrographic Institute.

Permanently installed and portable hydrographic instruments ordered. Kongsberg Maritime is supporting the Spanish Hydrographic Institute in expanding its survey capabilities during the first part of 2012 following official equipment acceptance, which took place 20th December 2011. The leading instrument developer is supplying its sophisticated EM 2040 0.7º x 0.7º multibeam with Seapath 300+ position reference system for installation on H/V Antares, in addition to providing flexible portable shallow water systems based on two Geoswath Plus Compact echosounders.

19 Sep 2011

Kongsberg Solution Displays Seismic Streamers Over AIS

New system improves awareness and safety of marine seismic operations. The Kongsberg Maritime owned AIS and position reference specialist Kongsberg Seatex has developed a solution to display the size and shape of seismic streamers over standard AIS. With this information available to all vessels in the survey area, this new development has the potential to enhance safety and streamline operations. Seismic operations in areas of high shipping activity can be a challenge as a seismic…

19 Jul 2010

AISSat-1 Begins Mission with Kongsberg Payload

Image courtesy Saltwater PR, Google

Norway’s AISSat-1 Satellite recently started its mission with a payload developed by Kongsberg Seatex AS. The AISSat-1 was launched successfully from India on July 12, and has already begun transmitting AIS messages from space to earth via Kongsberg Satellite Services' ground station at Svalbard. AISSat-1 is an experimental satellite, equipped with a Kongsberg Seatex payload that receives and forwards AIS messages from ships. Using the technology in a fully developed system will improve safety at sea for vessels in Norwegian waters.

30 Apr 2010

Kongsberg Seatex Technology on AIS Satellite

Photo courtesy Saltwater PR

The Norwegian satellite, AISSat-1 will be launched from India on 9 May. The satellite will be used by maritime authorities as an additional means of ensuring safety at sea in the High North. The satellite is equipped with technology developed in a joint effort by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Kongsberg Seatex AS, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Space Centre. The project is funded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. All passenger…

07 Oct 2009

New DGNSS From Kongsberg Seatex

Photo courtesy Saltwater PR

Kongsberg Seatex, a specialist in position reference systems, has unveiled the latest additions to its DPS (Differential Position Sensor) product portfolio. Two new products, DPS 110 and DPS 112, have been developed to utilize the new Global Satellite Based Augmentation System (Global SBAS) introduced by the navigation specialist Fugro SeaSTAR AS, the SeaSTAR SGG service. This new high performance navigation service offers corrections to both GPS and GLONASS that enables sub-meter accuracy with worldwide reach.