The flexible new sounder system has been developed by Kongsberg and the K-Mate unmanned surface vehicle has only just been unveiled. Developed with flexible capabilities across a range of marine roles, it can be fitted with a selection of Simrad sensors including SX90 and ES80 fishery sonars as well as Kongsberg’s EM2040 multibeam echosounders for mapping and HiPAP positioning.
The first unit has been ordered from Kongsberg by Peruvian fishing company Tasa as part of its policy of overhauling and optimising operations throughout its fleet of 48 fishing vessels.
The fully integrated and calibrated USV solution offers a high definition fishery sonar combined with a wideband echo sounder from Simrad, operable from a laptop PC or radio control with data telemetry for remote operations.
‘The fishing industry is a key industry in both Norway and Peru, and we have to work together towards the sustainability of our resource by implementing new technology like the Sounder USV. We have to monitor the ocean from the surface in real-time, and monitor the health of both the ocean and fish stocks,’ said Tasa fleet manager Dereck Zimmerman.
‘Norway and Kongsberg have technology that support our operation, and with the Sounder USV we take an important step into the future of sustainable fisheries.’
The Sounder USV provides Tasa with an unmanned platform for conducting fish searches and highly-detailed research, and will help the company to meet its goal of becoming a world-leading company in the sphere of sustainable fishery. Following the initial delivery, Kongsberg and Tasa will continue to collaborate in the operation of USVs for fishery applications.
‘We are extremely proud to be collaborating with Tasa for this project,’ said Stian Michael Kristoffersen, Kongsberg Maritime’s product manager, USV Solutions.
‘TASA is a very important customer to Kongsberg Maritime and we are very happy that the company has selected the Sounder USV System to assist in the ongoing drive for performance across its operations,’ he added.
The Sounder USV System is compatible with launch and recovery systems, making operation from ship or shore a straightforwardoperation. With an endurance of up to 20 days at 4 knots, it is expected to enable increased productivity at a lower cost. Behind it is a worldwide support network.
‘TASA is an experienced user of Simrad technology from Kongsberg,’ confirmed Morten Kville, Sales Manager (Simrad products), Kongsberg Maritime.
‘The firm’s innovative and collaborative spirit is impressive and aligns closely with our own ambitions and principles. TASA has been quick to recognise the fact that the Sounder USV will introduce a new way of thinking to businesses in the fishery industry, and we confidently predict that it will become a pivotal tool in the evolution of sustainable fisheries all over the world.’
