Motion Compensation of Multibeam Echo Sounders (MBES)

Motion Compensation of Multibeam Echo Sounders (MBES)

Multibeam echo sounders are the workhorse of hydrographic survey, seafloor mapping, fishery, and offshore inspection. They are also the sonar type most sensitive to vessel motion, transmitting many simultaneous beams across a wide swath where accurate attitude data is essential to position every sounding correctly in three-dimensional space.

Motion Reference Unit designed for Multibeam Echo Sounders

The Norwegian Subsea MRU 6000 series delivers exactly the 0.02° roll and pitch accuracy required for IHO Special Order survey. For reconnaissance and general seabed mapping, the MRU 3000 series at 0.05° is often sufficient, while the MRU 9000 serves the most demanding high-resolution applications.

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Our high accuracy, compact and affordable MRUs

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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What our customers say

"With the Norwegian Subsea MRU, our customers get a system that is easy to use, highly accurate, and doesn’t require a massive learning curve. The results speak for themselves."

Nick Fogarty, Senior Product Manager

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

Gabriel Walton, Technical Director, Ultrabeam Hydrographic

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Latest case studies

Ultrabeam Hydrographic

Ultrabeam Hydrographic enhances high-resolution 3D surveys with Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units

Ultrabeam, a specialist in hydrographic survey and underwater inspection, relies heavily on precise motion compensation to ensure accuracy in their 3D mapping projects. By integrating Norwegian Subsea’s compact, calibration-free Motion Reference Units (MRUs), Ultrabeam has significantly improved its survey data accuracy, while enjoying simplified integration, and enhanced operational efficiency in diverse surveying environments, from bridges, to offshore installations.

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Sid Hynes, Master Mariner

Canadian shipwreck hunters unlock new levels of multibeam performance with Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Unit

Motion Reference Units (MRUs) are crucial in bathymetric survey technology, providing precise motion compensation data to ensure reliable and accurate seafloor mapping. For users like Captain Sid Hynes, a seasoned mariner exploring Newfoundland’s shipwreck-rich waters, the Norwegian Subsea MRU has redefined what is possible, delivering exceptional performance even in incredibly challenging conditions.

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WASSP Boosts Multibeam Accuracy for Marine Survey and Fish Finding with Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units

Norwegian Subsea’s Motion Reference Units (MRUs) are now available integrated with WASSP’s multibeam sonar systems, offering enhanced motion data accuracy and performance for offshore applications.

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