How can the accuracy of subsea sensors be improved?
Improving the accuracy of subsea sensors fundamentally relies on selecting a high-performance unit designed specifically for the demanding underwater environment. At Norwegian Subsea, we achieve superior accuracy through a combination of state-of-the-art MEMS sensor technology, advanced sensor fusion algorithms, and robust hardware engineering, validated in real sea conditions.
Our algorithms are crucial for filtering noise and accurately calculating motion parameters like Roll, Pitch, Heave, Surge, Sway, and Yaw (6DoF), even under complex, irregular motion patterns typical of subsea operations. Furthermore, our sensors undergo rigorous testing and validation in real sea conditions, ensuring their performance specifications are met in the environments where they will be deployed.
The Norwegian Subsea MRU Subsea exemplifies this approach. Housed in a compact, 6000m depth-rated titanium casing, it offers exceptional durability. It is available in different accuracy tiers (±0.05°, ±0.02°, ±0.01° Roll/Pitch accuracy) to meet specific project requirements. We also offer an Inclinometer/VRU version for applications requiring only high-accuracy Roll and Pitch data.
Accuracy is maintained over the long term, as our MRUs are factory calibrated and typically do not require recalibration during their operational life for most applications. Easy integration via standard protocols (Ethernet, RS-232/RS-485, Modbus TCP) and Subconn connectors ensures that the high-quality data can be reliably transmitted to your systems. Choosing a sensor engineered for performance and reliability, like those from Norwegian Subsea, is the most effective way to ensure high accuracy for your subsea applications.
Related products
Usage area
6000 m depth
Connectors
SubConn 8
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
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 questions
- Read the full answer
Selecting the appropriate motion sensor for a subsea Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is critical for precise navigation, positioning, and tool manipulation. Key comparison factors include accuracy (Roll, Pitch, Heave, Yaw), depth rating, physical size and weight, robustness, ease of integration with ROV control systems, reliability in harsh environments, and overall cost-effectiveness.
Norwegian Subsea offers the MRU Subsea, specifically engineered for demanding underwater applications like ROV operations. This unit features a robust, compact titanium housing depth-rated to 6000 meters, making it ideal for deep-water tasks. We provide different accuracy levels to meet specific operational needs, with Roll and Pitch accuracy options of ±0.05° (Series 3000), ±0.02° (Series 6000), or ±0.01° (Series 9000), and a standard Heave accuracy of 5.0 cm or 5.0%. Our sensors utilize advanced MEMS technology and sensor fusion algorithms, validated in real sea conditions.
- Read the full answer
Data filtering is a critical process within Motion Reference Units (MRUs) designed to refine raw sensor measurements by removing noise and isolating the true motion components. At Norwegian Subsea, our MRUs utilize advanced sensor fusion algorithms and Kalman Filter algorithm that intelligently process data from state-of-the-art MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes.
These sophisticated algorithms act as highly optimized filters, effectively distinguishing between vessel motion and unwanted noise or vibrations. This ensures the delivery of exceptionally accurate and stable measurements for Roll, Pitch, Heave, Yaw, Surge, and Sway in real sea conditions with irregular waves and coupled motions.
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Accurate seabed mapping using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) relies heavily on precise motion compensation of the sonar as well as sensing of the vehicle's movements. Why you need motion compensation of your sonar system?
- Accurate Seafloor Mapping – Without proper motion
compensation, vessel movement can distort
sonar readings, leading to incorrect depth measurements
and unreliable bathymetric data.
- Accurate Seafloor Mapping – Without proper motion
Related applications
Floating Wind Base Motion Monitoring
Monitoring the movements and structural integrity of floating wind foundations, including both the base and turbine, along with the anchoring system, is crucial.
Subsea Surveys
Subsea surveys often demand precise tilt measurements (roll and pitch) for various purposes, such as installation tasks or continuous monitoring of tilt changes and deflections in subsea structures.
Riser Monitoring
The NORSUB Subsea MRU is specifically designed to provide highly accurate measurements of roll, pitch (inclination), and lateral motions in risers.
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