In the ever-evolving realm of bathymetric survey technology, the introduction of Norwegian Subsea’s Motion Reference Units (MRUs) is shaking things up, particularly for those like Captain Sid Hynes, who are navigating the unpredictable waters of Newfoundland. As a seasoned mariner, Sid has spent countless hours mapping the shipwreck-rich terrain of the Grand Banks with his son, Matthew. Their quest for precision in locating and identifying submerged relics has been a labor of love, but the challenges they face are no small potatoes.
The Grand Banks are notorious for their unpredictable three-directional swells, which can wreak havoc on data accuracy. Sid’s expedition yacht, the ‘Best Kind,’ was equipped with a multibeam echosounder from WASSP, a reputable manufacturer based in Auckland, New Zealand. However, Sid soon realized that the standard motion sensor wasn’t cutting it. When you’re trying to distinguish the remnants of wooden shipwrecks that have been submerged for decades, every bit of detail counts. “Heave is the key,” Sid asserted, emphasizing that the boat’s movement with the swells could distort the data. This revelation led him on a quest for a solution that could enhance his mapping capabilities.
Enter the Norwegian Subsea MRU 6000. After discussions with both Norwegian Subsea and WASSP, Sid integrated this advanced Motion Reference Unit into his multibeam setup. The results were nothing short of revolutionary. The MRU 6000 brought unparalleled motion compensation to the table, especially in the challenging conditions of the Grand Banks. Sid and Matthew, with their technical prowess, managed the integration process themselves. “The MRU’s straightforward setup and consistency really helped us to improve the quality of our results,” Sid noted, and he wasn’t exaggerating.
With the MRU in play, Sid’s multibeam echosounder began delivering data that was not just more detailed but also more precise. He could now identify everything from steam engines to the elusive remnants of shipwrecks that had long evaded detection. The enhanced motion compensation rivaled systems that were significantly more expensive, proving that high-quality performance doesn’t always have to come with an exorbitant price tag. “You get commercial-grade performance at a significantly reduced cost,” Sid pointed out, and that’s a game-changer for many in the industry.
The impact of this technology has been profound. Sid has made remarkable discoveries, including two sister steamships wrecked just years apart and found within close proximity to one another. The MRU’s superior heave, pitch, and roll compensation has allowed him to confidently map the seafloor even in swells exceeding 20 feet. “The standard sensor was jumping all over, and we were getting big gaps in the data. But the Norwegian Subsea MRU was like a needle – smooth and precise. You could barely tell the boat was moving,” he explained, showcasing the stark difference in performance.
As Sid and Matthew continue their explorations, they are not only uncovering valuable historical data but also setting a precedent for others in the maritime community. Their collaboration with Norwegian Subsea and WASSP is paving the way for even more precise multibeam data solutions, making it clear that when it comes to subsea exploration, innovation is key.
Norwegian Subsea is now poised to leverage the power of its MRU technology across the subsea sector, promising lower costs and higher accuracy for oceanology, bathymetric surveys, and underwater inspections. As they focus more on this niche, the implications for the maritime industry are significant. With comprehensive multibeam solutions becoming more accessible, the potential for discoveries in underwater archaeology and environmental monitoring is boundless.
In Sid’s words, “The swells can be so bad, but the Norwegian Subsea MRU manages them better than most. It really makes multibeam surveys work in ways I could not achieve before.” This sentiment encapsulates the transformative power of technology in the maritime sector, where innovation meets the relentless pursuit of knowledge about our oceans and their hidden treasures.