Ranger News

An artist’s illustration of the three new RCRVs. © Sonardyne

Sonardyne Technology Selected for New Oceanographic Research Vessels

.Led by Oregon State University, the RCRVs are being built for the US' Academic Research Fleet (ARF), enabling a new era of coastal and regional marine science. To support the RCRV's scientific missions, across diverse marine environments, Oregon State University selected Sonardyne's Ranger 2 Gyro USBL 7000, engineered to meet both the demanding, multidisciplinary research objectives of the ARF and vessel-build requirements.The first system has recently been delivered to Oregon State University to be fitted to the R/V Taani, to be operated by the university, by vessel builder Bollinger

Credit: Kraken Robotics

Deeply Innovative: Drivers in Subsea Defense

are pioneering solutions that enable navies to create highly integrated and distributed subsea networks.Sonardyne has long been a leader in subsea communications and positioning. Its BlueComm optical modem provides high-speed wireless data transfer between vehicles or from vehicle to surface, while their Ranger 2 USBL and Compatt 6+ LBL systems can double as communications networks, enabling AUVs, ROVs, and divers to share navigation data and mission updates.EvoLogics pushes acoustic communications further with its patented, dolphin-inspired S2C (Sweep Spread Carrier) technology, which offers simultaneous

L-R: Leon Hendriksen, Sales & Business Development Manager at Stema Offshore and Alan MacDonald, Head of Sales, UK, Europe and Africa, at Sonardyne. © Sonardyne

Stema Systems Adds Sonardyne USBL to Rental Fleet

Underwater survey equipment rental specialist Stema Systems has ordered the first of what will be a growing fleet of Sonardyne technologies in its equipment pool.The Netherlands-based company has ordered Sonardyne’s Mini-Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) tracking system and multiple Wideband Sub Mini 6+ (WSM 6+) transponders as it looks to continue its expansion in Europe.Stema’s Mini-Ranger 2 supports the company’s global rental customers across both renewables and oil and gas, providing survey-grade positioning for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations and towed system

Source: Fugro

Fugro’s Blue Eclipse® USV Makes Commercial Debut

2.5mEndurance: 20 daysMain Survey SpreadMulti beam echo sounder: Dual EM2040 or similarSub-bottom profiler: Innomar mediumSingle beam echo sounder: Teledyne Echotrac E20Sound velocity profiler: Valeport UV-SVP in gondolaMotion reference unit: iXblue HydrinsAcoustic underwater positioning: Sonardyne Mini Ranger 2 USBLNavigation: Fugro Starfix SuiteNear real-time processing: Fugro Sense suite softwareBlue Amp®General SpecificationsDimensions: 2070mm x 842mm x 1200mmWeight: 650kg in air (850kg max)Depth rating: 1000 MSWThruster configuration: 4 vertical 180mm in diameter and 4 axial 250mm in diameterPerformanc

(Photo: Geo Plus)

N-Sea Acquires Geo Plus

The Netherlands-based subsea services company N-Sea announced it has finalized a deal to acquire Geo Plus based in Groningen, The Netherlands.Geo Plus operates a fleet of five specialized survey vessels—Geo Ranger, Geo Focus, Geo Explorer, Geo Motion, and Geo Connection—which are currently operating on long-term projects in Europe and the Middle East. The vessels are well equipped for all types of geophysical surveys and inspection activities.By acquiring Geo Plus, N-Sea increases its capacity and capabilities in the field of shallow water hydrographic surveys, both Geophysical and Geotechni

 PDE Offshore's MV Geo Energy (Photo supplied by Sonardyne)

PDE Offshore Gets Sonardyne Upgrade for Geo Energy Vessel

Taiwanese offshore geophysical and geotechnical investigation company PDE Offshore has upgraded its underwater acoustic positioning system onboard MV Geo Energy to Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL system.The upgrade will further enhance PDE Offshore’s capability in the exploration of offshore renewable energy (ORE) in Taiwan, the company said.Having already used Sonardyne’s Mini Ranger 2 for several years, investing in the full Ranger 2 system was a logical choice to provide the reliable dynamic positioning references essential for the vessel’s operations, whilst also giving the

Geo Ranger (Photo: N-Sea)

N-Sea Charters Geo Plus' Survey and ROV Support Vessel

Subsea solutions provider N-Sea Group announced it has entered into an agreement with Geo Plus to long term charter the Dutch flagged vessel Geo Ranger, a hybrid survey and ROV support vessel.The Geo Ranger will accompany the Geo Focus which is already under N-Sea management and control.The fuel efficient vessel Geo Ranger is equipped with smart on-board technology, comprising various different sensors and a plug-and-play system for additional, project-specific customer equipment.With DP station keeping capabilities, an overall length (LOA) of 41.60 meters, 8.70 meters width, and a working draft of 2.

 An MSDS Marine diver prepares to dive holding a Nano transponder. - Credit: Sonardyne

MSDS Marine Becomes Reseller for Sonardyne's Marine Technology

the level of support that Sonardyne offer. We are proud to be able to continue to promote the systems as a re-seller, using our firsthand experience in the scientific and archaeological sector to do so."MSDS Marine has used Sonardyne technology for a number of years, and the SCOUT, Micro and Mini Ranger USBL systems have played an important in the recent investigations of the archaeologically significant designated sites of the Rooswijk (sunk 1740), the London (sunk 1665), and the Bronze Bell wreck (sunk in the 18th Century). The precise, reliable positioning, along with the ease of use, have allowed

The unmanned surface vessel Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

US Navy Awards Leidos Unmanned Vessels Contract

power of this technology lies in its ability to operate independently and extend the horizon of crewed ships. We look forward to supporting the Navy as they continue this important journey into the future.”Leidos has delivered four operational medium-sized USVs currently in the Navy’s fleet: Ranger, Mariner, Sea Hunter, and Seahawk. This contract will expand Leidos’ experience managing USV operations and maintenance

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