What is an MRU vs VRU?
Motion Reference Unit (MRU)
Definition: A motion Reference Unit (MRU) is a specialized device and self-contained sensor that measures motion in all six degrees of freedom (DoF): Roll, Pitch, Yaw, Surge, Sway and Heave. The six DoF positions, velocities and accelerations are measured by the MRU using high-end gyroscopes and accelerometers (and sometimes magnetometers) together with advanced fusion algorithms. An MRU has high accuracy Roll and Pitch measurements, and measures oscillatory Heave, Surge and Sway motions for wave periods at sea. Linear motions with very long periods, or steps, cannot be measured by an MRU as it assumes a 0 mean heave position.
Vertical Reference Unit (VRU)
Definition: A VRU is an advanced device that measures the attitude (roll and pitch) of an object using high-end accelerometers and gyroscopes, combined with advanced sensor fusion algorithms. VRUs provide accurate roll and pitch measurements, even in dynamic environments.
Comparison of VRU with MRU: When you acquire a Norwegian Subsea VRU, this is essentially the same as the MRU. The only difference is that the VRU outputs roll and pitch only. It still has all the advantages of the MRU.
If you need lateral motions (heave, surge and sway), either position, velocity or accelerations, you will need to use the MRU.
Related products
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%
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
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%
Usage area
Hazardous areas
Connectors
Pigtail cable
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
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What is the difference between the MRU Marine and MRU Marine SW?
- The MRU Marine has an IP-68 rating, uses a Lemo 16-pin connector and has indicator lights.
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When navigating the complexities of motion sensing and navigation systems, it is essential to understand the distinctions between devices and systems like Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Inclinometers, Roll & Pitch sensors, Vertical Reference Units (VRU), Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), Motion Reference Units (MRUs), Gyrocompasses, and GNSS-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems (GNSS/INS). Each serves specific purposes and offers different levels of functionality, accuracy, and application scope.
Gyrocompass
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The MRU Compact uses a standard RJ45 ethernet cable where power is supplied through Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet). In most cases you cannot connect the MRU directly to a an ethernet switch with PoE, since most of these are Active PoE.
We normally supply your first MRU Compact with a start kit containing a POE RJ45 spliter socket. You will only need standard RJ45 cat5 ethernet cables to connect the MRU to the spliter socket and the spliter socket to your PC or ethernet switch.
Related applications
Dynamic Positioning
Dynamic positioning (DP) of vessels necessitates roll and pitch compensation of the GNSS antenna to ensure accurate positioning of the ship's control point.
Stabilising Fins
Stabilising fin and roll damping systems rely on motion sensors to accurately measure the roll motions of a ship.
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