Press release -
KONGSBERG to provide science equipment for Germany’s new ocean research vessel
Oslo, 10th October 2023 – KONGSBERG will provide scientific sensors and scientific handling equipment for Germany’s new ocean research vessel, the 135-metre Meteor IV. The new 10,000GT vessel will be able to house 35 scientists plus 36 crew.
Meteor IVwill be built by MeyerFassmer Spezialschiffbau (MFSB) for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The vessel, due for delivery in 2026, replaces existing research vessels Meteor and Poseidon.
“We need to build a better understanding of our changing climate and the effect it has on the marine environment to protect our oceans and future generations, Ocean research is now recognised as critical to our understanding of climate change, as well as a host of conservation issues,” said Executive Vice President Stene Førsund, Sales and Marketing, Kongsberg Discovery. “A top priority of marine scientists is to map the entire seafloor by 2030, an enormous task that will require instruments and equipment with extremely precise calibration.”
Kongsberg Discovery will supply Meteor IV with the EM 124 and EM 712 multibeam echo sounders, used for seabed mapping at various depths. Kongsberg Discovery will also provide the Seapath 380 with Motion Gyro Compass (MGC) R3, whose sensors use GNSS signals and inertial measurements. These combine with the EM series of echo sounders to create an exact picture of the seabed.
To monitor ecosystems and marine life, Meteor IV will use Kongsberg Discovery’s EK80, a high-precision scientific echo sounder with acoustic doppler current profiler capability, which may be used to measure the velocity of fish in a water column. The EK80 measures speed and direction of currents in a water column, which helps researchers understand how organisms, nutrients, and other biological and chemical constituents are transported through the ocean.
Kongsberg Maritime will supply a complete integrated scientific handling system for Meteor IV, enabling safe and efficient operations with cables and ropes up to 12,000 metres in length.
The scientific winch system comprises two direct pull winches, two conventional twin drum traction winch systems and a third traction winch system, which includes Kongsberg Maritime’s field-proven cable traction control unit (CTCU) for superior performance with synthetic fibre rope.
The delivery also includes overboard handling units; a stern A-frame, two handling beams, and a corer handling system, as well as cranes.
The control system, fully developed and maintained in-house by Kongsberg Maritime, features the proprietary predictive active heave compensation (AHC) algorithm providing accurate winch system response matched to vessel motion, by aid of Kongsberg Discovery’s motion reference unit (MRU).
Meteor IVis designed for worldwide multifunctional and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on the Atlantic Ocean. The new vessel will make important contributions to national and international marine science, particularly in the areas of climate and environmental research.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Kongsberg Discovery:
Henning Langlete
Director Marketing & Communication
Mobile +47 932 18 600
Henning.langlete@kd.kongsberg.com
Kongsberg Maritime:
Craig Taylor
Senior Manager – PR & Communications
Mobile +44 (0) 7749584285
Craig.taylor@km.kongsberg.com
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About Kongsberg Discovery
Kongsberg Discovery develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative technology to enhance knowledge, surveillance, and sustainability in the ocean space. From the deepest sea to outer space, our unique offering allows our customers to understand complex environments, mitigate risk and achieve ambitious objectives.
Our portfolio spans hydro acoustics with sonars and echo-sounders, marine robotics, inertial navigation, communication, underwater and above-surface position reference systems using laser, radar and GNSS technologies. Our technology combined with deep application knowledge and software expertise provides significant value for our customers.
With a worldwide presence and over 1,000 dedicated employees, Kongsberg Discovery offers diverse domain expertise and a commitment to delivering the best service, standards, and solutions.
About Kongsberg Maritime
Kongsberg Maritime is a global marine technology company providing innovative and reliable ‘Full Picture’ technology solutions for all marine industry sectors. Headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, Kongsberg Maritime has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities in 34 countries.
Kongsberg Maritime solutions cover all aspects of marine automation, safety, manoeuvring, navigation, and dynamic positioning as well as energy management, deck handling and propulsion systems, and ship design services.
