- Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Discovery secured contracts to equip NOAA’s advanced research vessels.
- These vessels will feature cutting-edge technology for mapping and safeguarding marine environments.
- Operations will focus on hydrography, ocean mapping, and supporting the blue economy.
Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Discovery secured a $11.25 million contract to equip NOAA’s new charting and mapping vessels, Surveyor and Navigator. Construction is being handled by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Louisiana.
Advanced Equipment for Next-Gen NOAA Vessels
The vessels will feature advanced technology from Kongsberg Discovery to support marine research, including safeguarding aquatic life and monitoring the environment.
Systems include state-of-the-art oceanographic handling and deck machinery.
Mission Overview: Surveyor and Navigator
These multi-mission vessels, scheduled to launch in 2027 and 2028, are part of NOAA’s effort to map and characterize the United States Economic Zone.
The combined contract for the ships is valued at $624.6 million.
Cutting-edge sonar and Ocean Mapping Technology
Kongsberg Discovery is delivering an integrated package of solutions, including:
- EM 2040 and EM 304 multibeam echo sounders for ocean mapping.
- SBP 29 sub-bottom profilers for sub-seabed structures.
- EK 80 split beam echo sounders for biomass and seafloor analysis.
These tools enable high-quality bathymetry, seabed mapping, and detection of phenomena like methane seeps.
Integrated Handling System for Deepwater Operations
The contract includes a scientific handling system capable of operating cables up to 5,000 meters. Components include:
- Hydrographic and Brailing winches.
- A-frame and CTD handling gear with hydraulic power units.
Significant Contract Details and Future Options
The contract, valued at 123m NOK, includes an option for two additional vessels.
The winch system integrates Kongsberg’s proprietary predictive active heave compensation (AHC) for accurate performance under vessel motion.
Predictive Active Heave Compensation System
The system uses Kongsberg’s motion reference unit (MRU) for precise winch responses, improving operations in challenging conditions.
The vessels will focus on acquiring and processing large data sets for ocean mapping, nautical charting, and supporting the blue economy. They will also assist with coastal resource management and marine research.
NOAA’s Partnership with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors
Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, based in Louisiana, was selected to build the vessels. This partnership ensures high-quality construction and integration of advanced technologies.
Once operational, these ships will serve critical roles, from nautical charting to oceanographic modeling. Kongsberg Discovery, launched in April 2023, continues to lead in underwater robotics and sensor technology, reflecting its commitment to innovation.
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Source: Kongsberg
