Kongsberg Discovery products and solutions for the ocean space.
Kongsberg
Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Maritime will exclusively supply their marine scientific equipment, oceanographic handling systems, and deck machinery to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its Surveyor and Navigator vessels.
The advanced technology on these charting and mapping vessels, protects the marine environment, supporting mariners, commerce, and aquatic life. Additionally, Kongsberg Maritime's state-of-the-art oceanographic handling, anchoring, and mooring systems are integrated into the design to enhance efficiency.
"Our technology has been developed to deliver outstanding results in the most demanding conditions, unlocking a true understanding of the ocean depths for the good of society, security, and the environment," explained Kongsberg Discovery Technical Sales Manager Meme Lobecker.
The Surveyor and the Navigator, built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, will initially map and characterize the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessels' contract amounted to USD 624.6 million, with plans for them to be operational in 2027 and 2028.
Kongsberg Discovery's technology collects high-quality bathymetry and seabed backscatter, deep high-resolution penetration into the sub-seabed structure, as well as water column structure and calibrated backscatter.
This allows for the analysis of physical phenomena, biomass concentration, and migration, as well as the detection of gaseous anomalies on the seafloor, such as methane seepage.
Finally, Sin Suen, Program Manager for NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, stated that the ultimate mission of these vessels will be to create the country’s nautical charts, one of NOAA's oldest responsibilities.
Specifically, the supply consists of a complete integrated scientific handling system that will enable safe and efficient operations with cables up to 5,000 meters in length.
The delivery also includes overboard handling units and anchoring and mooring systems for both vessels.
Kongsberg Maritime's contract, worth 123 million NOK (11.25 million USD), includes the option to supply two additional vessels.
Regarding this contract, Kongsberg Maritime VP Sales – Special Vessels – Navy, Aileen Kehoe indicated: "Kongsberg Maritime supplies a wide range of mission-critical technology to many of the world's most advanced oceanographic research ships, and we're delighted to have been selected for these two latest vessels which will carry out essential scientific research duties for the USA."
Kongsberg Maritime was also in charge of the construction of Cargill and Skretting's 'Fjordfrende' initiative, which began in 2019 with the aim of streamlining the transportation of fish feed along the Norwegian coast.