Ship Motion Monitoring
Precise motion measurements are essential for vessel digitalization, supporting fuel optimization, route planning, cargo safety and structural health.
Ship Motion Monitoring
Accurate Motion Measurements Are Essential for Vessel Performance Optimization
Many are unaware of the crucial role that Motion Reference Unit (MRU) measurements play in optimizing propulsion and reducing fuel consumption. MRU data is primarily needed to establish the correlation between sea conditions—such as waves—the vessel's response, and the main engine (ME) consumption.
Currently, 80% of vessels do not have MRU motion measurements available.
With the ongoing IMO reporting requirements, most vessels have flowmeters hardwired to their chosen vessel performance software. However, this is not the case for MRUs.
Install MRUs on your vessel today to further improve vessel performance and reduce climate emissions.
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Why a Norwegian Subsea MRU is exceptionally suitable for ship motion monitoring
The NORSUB MRUs reliably and accurately measure all six degrees of freedom year after year. Additionally, measurement data can be logged internally and downloaded as needed. Statistical features, such as significant amplitude and peak frequency over a moving window, can also be measured. For example, the significant heave motion amplitude and peak period during the last hour can be selected as an output measurement.
The NORSUB MRUs are designed for easy installation and use. They are plug and play devices and can be delivered with a junction box or with regular Ethernet (RJ45) connectivity, such as the NORSUB eMRU series. This streamlined approach reduces cable and installation costs, providing a cost-effective solution for ship motion monitoring applications.
MRUs designed for your needs
Norwegian Subsea produces industry-leading Motion Reference Units (MRUs) for subsea, marine, and land applications. Our MRUs are robust and affordable, and offer high-accuracy performance, along with a plug-and-play interface.
Explore our productsRelated questions
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The MRU Marine is IP-68 rated with Lemo connectors and LEDs. The Marine SW supports 50m depth, uses SubConn connectors, and comes in two versions differing by available output combinations.
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A gyrocompass determines true north using gyroscopes and Earth's rotation, not magnetism. It’s essential for heading accuracy in marine and aerial navigation, though performance may vary at extreme latitudes.
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A Vertical Reference Unit (VRU) is an advanced device that measures the attitude of an object, specifically its Roll and Pitch.
Further reading
Advanced motion compensation for sonars introduced at Ocean Business 2025
MRUs for vessel performance optimisation in focus at Europort 2025
Research Project to Test Value of MRU Data for Vessel Performance and Carbon Reduction
Related products
Usage area
50 m depth, IP 68
Connectors
Lemo or SubConn 8 or SubConn 16
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
Usage area
IP 65
Connectors
RJ45 or RJ50
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%