KONGSBERG Installs Cutting-Edge Marine Ecosystem Assessment Solution

Kongsberg Maritime has successfully completed the installation of an extensive suite of Simrad marine ecosystem assessment technology aboard the Victor Angelescu, the Argentinian National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development’s (INIDEP) new oceanographic and fishing research vessel.

Built at Spanish yard Astilleros Armon Vigo SA, the new 52m research ship is a silent vessel, which combined with the sophisticated Simrad marine ecosystem package will enable highly accurate survey results for Argentinian scientists.

KONGSBERG installed and integrated the majority of the electronic systems aboard the new ship based on its strategic portfolio of ‘integrated systems for research vessels'. The company is experiencing significant growth in this area due to the efficiencies and increased performance achieved by integrating acoustic systems, bridge and automation system and related vessel operational technology.

According to Adrian Madirolas, Head of the Hydroacoustic Lab at INIDEP, sea trials have already shown the high performance of KONGSBERG’s integrated systems: “During the sea trials, the hydroacoustic results were exceptional. The low hydrodynamic noise level, low radiation noise and the perfect behaviour of air bubbles against the hull, allowed us to achieve high reliability in acoustic acquisition. In short, the co-operation between KONGSBERG, Simrad Spain and Armón has worked perfectly."

The KONGSBERG equipment scope of supply includes: Simrad EK80 scientific wideband system, ME70 scientific multibeam system, a dedicated Bathymetric option for habitat mapping, SX90 Omnidirectional sonar for long-range detection and support for fishery operation, PI50 trawl monitoring system and FX80 with live camera feed from sampling trawl. The new Simrad TD50 software is also included in the delivery, enabling the ME70 multibeam data to be visualised real time in 3D during a survey.

“Simrad Spain has been a key part of this successful delivery, providing the integration of the on board electronic equipment,” said Tonny Algrøy, Global Sales Manager Underwater Science, Kongsberg Maritime. “This is the fourth commission of a Research vessel in less than two years completed by the team; A/S Fridtjof Nansen for Norway, Victor Angelescu for Argentina, BAP Carrasco for Peru and ARC Roncador for Colombia. The project execution experience of Simrad Spain, together with our state of the art systems for marine ecosystem investigation secures their position as a quality provider within the research vessel construction industry.”