Innovative motion compensation for sonars launched at Ocean Business 2025
Norwegian Subsea introduced its updated motion reference unit (MRU) lineup with full aiding capabilities for sonar-based applications at Ocean Business 2025. The new solution was well received by visitors at one of the leading events for hydrographic professionals and adjacent fields, showcasing its potential to enhance motion compensation in various subsea applications.
Based on the same high-performance MRU platform that had already transformed applications such as wave radar and helideck monitoring, this newly packaged solution delivers precise roll, pitch and heave data in addition to independent heading and velocity. It removes dependency on RTK or GNSS signals, eliminating common vulnerabilities that had challenged efficiency and quality in bathymetric surveying.
Visitors to the Norwegian Subsea stand were able to explore how this calibration-free, maintenance-free MRU platform could be applied directly to their sonar motion compensation challenges. Built for plug-and-play compatibility with sonar systems, including multibeam echosounders, interferometric sonars, sidescan sonars, sub-bottom profilers and forward-looking sonars, Norwegian Subsea MRUs enable consistent, high-quality heave data in real time.
Fredrik Dukan, CEO of Norwegian Subsea, stated: “With our updated MRU portfolio, we are offering marine surveyors and other subsea professionals the same proven performance that our customers in wave radar and helideck monitoring have relied on for years, now optimized for demanding hydrographic surveys. It is the next logical step in our mission to make high-end motion compensation more accessible, robust and reliable across the marine and offshore spectrum.”
Uninterrupted performance with zero recalibration
Now with heading and velocity aiding, the updated MRU lineup builds on a platform already field-proven in some of the industry’s most demanding applications. In wave radar systems used by Miros and helideck monitoring solutions from ShoreConnection, Norwegian Subsea MRUs have demonstrated long-term, uninterrupted performance with zero recalibration required, delivering dependable motion data day after day while reducing cost and complexity for end users.
According to Norwegian Subsea, the MRU 9000 series is aimed at marine surveyors seeking the highest quality multibeam motion correction data but at approximately 50% of the list price of the most advanced competing systems. With 0.01° accuracy in roll and pitch, and high-precision surge and sway measurements, it is ideal for the most demanding sonar motion compensation applications. The broader MRU range also includes 3000 and 6000 series units, offering scalable performance depending on the use case, from general monitoring to active heave compensation and winch control.
No RTK connections needed
In recent integrations with WASSP’s multibeam sonar systems, Norwegian Subsea MRUs have provided survey-grade motion performance without relying on RTK connections. This approach is particularly beneficial for operators working in environments where traditional positioning services are unavailable. The collaboration with WASSP also highlights how the MRU’s plug-and-play setup and reliable data delivery can enhance overall system performance while helping to reduce operational costs.
Norwegian Subsea MRUs are engineered for ease of use and long-term reliability with ready-calibrated sensors that never require recalibration, compact form factors for flexible mounting, and OEM options for direct integration into sonar systems. “With integrated heading and velocity, the MRU 9000 delivers the accuracy and consistency needed to reduce survey time, avoid data gaps and eliminate the need for costly repeat missions. For those planning seabed mapping, subsea inspection or complex underwater operations, our MRUs promise professional-grade motion data but with a significantly lower cost to access it,” Fredrik Dukan concluded.
