SMC MRU comparisons

Comparison with the Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine replaces the SMC-00 range (SMC-007 and SMC-008)
MRU / VRU 6000 Marine replaces the SMC-10 range (SMC-107 and SMC-108)

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MRU & VRU Marine & Subsea

MRU Marine

Usage area

50 m depth, IP 68

Heave accuracy

5 cm or 5.0%

Roll & Pitch accuracy

3000±0.05°
6000±0.02°
9000±0.01°

Connectors

Lemo or SubConn 8 or SubConn 16

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MRU Subsea

Usage area

6000 m depth

Heave accuracy

5 cm or 5.0%

Roll & Pitch accuracy

3000±0.05°
6000±0.02°
9000±0.01°

Connectors

SubConn 8

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Irregular heave motions — Real sea conditions - irregular heave motions

Tested and validated in real sea conditions

Many suppliers tend to present test data solely for simple regular motions observed in laboratory conditions. At sea, vessels experience irregular and coupled motions.

While most sensors perform well in sine wave motion, only a select few excel in irregular sea conditions.

Our MRUs stand out as they consistently deliver exceptional performance across all conditions.

Read more about how we validate our MRU

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine — replaces SMC-108 and SMC-107

The SMC-108 is SMC's high-accuracy motion reference unit, measuring roll, pitch and heave. The SMC-107 is the roll-and-pitch-only version. The MRU 6000 Marine is the direct replacement.

Why the MRU 6000 Marine?

Higher roll and pitch accuracy across the full range - 0.02° RMS against the SMC-108 0.03° dynamic figure specified only at ±5°.
Keeps operating from −40 to +85°C. The SMC-108 tops out at +65°C, so it reaches its operating limit where the MRU 6000 keeps running.
Twice the computed MTBF: 100 000 hours against 50 000 hours.
Compact housing with no mounting limitations.

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-107 and SMC-108

Roll and pitch accuracy specified for operation within ±5° and up to 55 °C

Low MTBF

Roll & Pitch accuracy0.03°
Heave accuracy5 cm / 5 %
Operating temperature range-20 to +65 °C
MTBF50 000 hours

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine

Roll & pitch accuracy valid for operation without any restriction in angles or temperature

Twice the MTBF

Roll & Pitch accuracy0.02°
Heave accuracy5 cm / 5 %
Operating temperature range-40 to +85 °C
MTBF100 000 hours

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine — replaces SMC-007 and SMC-008

The SMC-008 is SMC's standard motion reference unit, measuring roll, pitch and heave. The MRU 3000 Marine is the direct replacement. The SMC-007 is the roll-and-pitch-only version. The VRU 3000 Marine is the direct replacement.

Why the MRU 3000 Marine?

Higher roll and pitch accuracy, held dynamically and across the full range - 0.05° RMS versus 0.12° valid only at ±5°.
The SMC-008 stops working at +55°C, while the MRU 3000 Marine keeps working until +85°C
Twice the computed MTBF: 100 000 hours against 50 000 hours.
Compact housing with no mounting limitations.

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-007 and SMC-008

Roll and pitch accuracy specified for operation within ±5°

Half the MTBF

Stops working above 55 °C

Roll & Pitch accuracy0.12°
Heave accuracy5 cm / 5 %
Operating temperature range-20 to +55 °C
MTBF50 000 hours

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine

Roll & pitch accuracy valid for operation without any restriction in angles or temperature

Twice the MTBF

Continues working until 85 °C

Roll & Pitch accuracy0.05°
Heave accuracy5 cm / 5 %
Operating temperature range-40 to +85 °C
MTBF100 000 hours

Retrofit of your MRU

Many vessels have MRUs installed that need frequent recalibration and repair or are end-of-life since support and recalibration services are no longer available. Our MRUs use the latest generation of high-end MEMS sensors for extreme stability, making them ideal for retrofit installations with no need for future recalibration.

Typical retrofit applications are AHC, dynamic positioning and helideck motion monitoring.

You can replace your existing MRU yourself or use one our retrofit partners that can do the installation for you and support you with questions about your DP systems.

Read more about the retrofit process

Trusted by industry leaders

Over 1200 Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units are in operation world-wide on over 600 vessels, floating and subsea structures.

Some selected customer references.

Where our MRUs are used

What our customers say

"The whole industry is welcoming these MRUs."

Johnny Rabben, CEO, ShoreConnection

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"The accuracy, weight, and form factor of Norwegian Subsea MRUs are unmatched."

Gabriel Walton, Technical Director, Ultrabeam Hydrographic

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"They are rock solid. Many Norwegian Subsea MRUs have been running 24/7 inside Miros products for up to eight years without issue, producing real-time data every second."

Jonas Røstad, Chief Commercial Officer, Miros

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"We have tried similar MRUs and Norwegian Subsea was the clear choice, not only for the quality of data, but also the ease of integration"

Tuna Sener, Business development manager

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Content Archive (latest)

A Look Back at Oceanology International 2026

More than a month has passed since Oceanology International 2026, giving us time to reflect on the value of this major ocean technology and marine science event. For Norwegian Subsea, the London exhibition was defined by a wide range of conversations with both familiar and new faces, many of which are now developing into ongoing discussions across key marine and subsea applications.

Read article

Radac

RADAC integrates Norwegian Subsea MRUs for accurate motion-compensated wave data

Dutch company Radac is committed to delivering the most advanced wave radar systems that focus on the task of providing accurate, localised wave and seastate data. To support the highest levels of accuracy and reliability, Motion Reference Units (MRUs) from Norwegian Subsea are used as standard in its WaveGuide radar systems. This has helped build an enviable reputation for quality in the offshore industry, with Radac’s systems widely recognised for enabling confident decision-making in diverse and dynamic marine environments.

Read case study

Light Structures

Making Structural Health Monitoring smarter with Motion Reference Units

As the maritime industry accelerates its journey towards smarter, more efficient digital operations, structural health monitoring systems are playing a central role in operational efficiency, safety and sustainability. These systems increasingly depend on real-time, high-fidelity data from Motion Reference Units (MRUs) to contextualise structural stresses with the vessel’s motion in a given sea state. This is especially important in meeting the evolving requirements of classification society SMART notations from bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and DNV.

Read case study

All articles All case studies

SMC MRU comparisons

Comparison with the Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units

MRU & VRU Marine & Subsea

MRU Marine

Usage area

Heave accuracy

Roll & Pitch accuracy

Connectors

MRU Subsea

Usage area

Heave accuracy

Roll & Pitch accuracy

Connectors

Tested and validated in real sea conditions

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine — replaces SMC-108 and SMC-107

Why the MRU 6000 Marine?

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-107 and SMC-108

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine — replaces SMC-007 and SMC-008

Why the MRU 3000 Marine?

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-007 and SMC-008

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine

Retrofit of your MRU

Trusted by industry leaders

What our customers say

Content Archive (latest)

A Look Back at Oceanology International 2026

RADAC integrates Norwegian Subsea MRUs for accurate motion-compensated wave data

Making Structural Health Monitoring smarter with Motion Reference Units

Contact us

MRU & VRU Marine & Subsea

MRU Marine

Usage area

Heave accuracy

Roll & Pitch accuracy

Connectors

MRU Subsea

Usage area

Heave accuracy

Roll & Pitch accuracy

Connectors

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine — replaces SMC-108 and SMC-107

Why the MRU 6000 Marine?

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-107 and SMC-108

MRU / VRU 6000 Marine

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine — replaces SMC-007 and SMC-008

Why the MRU 3000 Marine?

Higher accuracy and more reliable

SMC-007 and SMC-008

MRU / VRU 3000 Marine

Retrofit of your MRU

Trusted by industry leaders

What our customers say

Content Archive (latest)

A Look Back at Oceanology International 2026

RADAC integrates Norwegian Subsea MRUs for accurate motion-compensated wave data

Making Structural Health Monitoring smarter with Motion Reference Units

Contact us