New Autonomous Hydrographic Survey Vessel Design Unveiled
post on the flybridge. The generous aft working deck is equipped with an A-Frame, dual winches, moonpool, and outboard seismic booms. The hull was specifically designed to incorporate the industry’s most advanced sonars with minimal interference while collecting data at a highly efficient pace. A Seakeeper gyro provides active ride control, greatly enhancing stability and crew comfort. A shallow draft of 1.6m allows the Merlin to perform various survey missions and make port in small or large harbors across the U.S.Hydrographic systems provider Echo81 will deliver a fully integrated geophysical sensor
Metal Shark Builds Custom Tender for R/V OceanXplorer
speeds, while the JETanchor system assists with station-keeping and also offers a “virtual anchor” mode. The choice of diesel power allows the tender to refuel off the mothership safely while eliminating the hazards of storing and transferring the gasoline typically required for outboards.A SeaKeeper stabilization system was added to reduce vessel pitch and roll. Single-point and four-point lift options facilitate vessel launch and retrieval from aboard the mothership, eliminating straps and spreader bars while improving safety for the crew. A removable bow push knee adds an extra element of
Bourque Joins Sea Machines
APAC regions and he will be a key part of bringing the Sea Machines technology to the global market,” said Sea Machines CEO, Michael Johnson. Bourque comes to Sea Machines with a background in international sales management, having built much of the global sales and support network for Seakeeper Inc, the manufacturer of marine gyrostabilizers. “I enjoy the challenge of working with advanced technology, Bourque said, “and Sea Machines represents the latest of offerings that allow operators to modernize their fleets. There are countless applications where autonomy can
USV Deployed for 22 Days in South China Sea
can only be realized by a 24/7 presence. Clearly, this test also confirms that when properly equipped with underwater sensors, the IUSV can also be very effective in underwater survey and surveillance work. Soon added, “Our Vigilant IUSV is currently the only USV equipped with a Seakeeper stabilization system and this is essential during periods of rough seas for effective sensor performance.” “We were also able to effectively update software to the IUSV in real time based on observations to further improve performances. This validates the flexibility of the
Seakeeper Sets Standard for Stabilizing Naval Vessels
Crews aboard naval vessels benefit from having a stable operating platform to help carry out their specialized missions with optimal safety and efficiency. An increasing number of U.S. Navy craft now use Seakeeper actively controlled gyro stabilization systems to mitigate ship roll. Compact, efficient and completely internal, they create significant roll reduction whether a vessel is underway, or at low or zero speed. Under contract with the U.S. Navy, Modutech Marine, Inc. of Tacoma, Wash., recently completed the first of four 95-foot Range Training Support Craft, each equipped with three Seakeeper
February 2024
