RRS 'Sir David Attenborough' adds a FarSounder-1000 3D Sonar
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RRS 'Sir David Attenborough' adds a FarSounder-1000 3D Sonar

FarSounder's longest-range sonar system, FarSounder-1000, is to be the latest addition to the equipment incorporated into the British Antarctic Survey's new Polar Research Vessel: the RRS 'Sir David Attenborough'. Cammell Laird is currently constructing this polar research ship – which is valued at more than USD180 million and is owned by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – at its Birkenhead shipyard, Port of Liverpool City Region, UK.

With the new ship’s ability to embark on longer voyages and explore some of the most remote aquatic regions of the world, the FarSounder sonar will prove invaluable in its primary use for navigation and obstacle avoidance. In addition, its technology and data can supplement the more traditional on-board science mission sensors. The new ship’s vast capabilities will enable scientists to explore and undertake science in new areas of the Antarctic and Arctic seas. The enhanced coverage achieved by utilising FarSounder-1000 can open up new locations for science and will clearly demonstrate and reinforce continuing British presence in Antarctica and the South Atlantic.

The sonar will be protected during ice breaking operations via a custom hoist designed and built by C4R Maritime Solutions of Frederikssund, Denmark, and tested in the lab at Force Maritime in Denmark.

Pinpoint Electronics of Devon, UK, is the local FarSounder representative for this project. Pinpoint’s managing director, Sally Dale stated, “As a former officer in the Royal Navy, a ship’s safety has always been of the utmost importance. Over my years in the industry, I have learned the best way to achieve the highest level of safety is by adding a FarSounder sonar to the navigation suite.”

Last year, FarSounder was integral in the residential ship The World's excursion that reached the Ross Ice Shelf, the furthest south any vessel has ever sailed.

 

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