Teledyne RDI ADCPs deployed for Japanese seabed mining assessment
Teledyne RD Instruments (RDI) has been selected to support a deep-sea environmental impact assessment (EIA) project within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone by marine engineering consultancy Deep Reach Technology (DRT). As part of the programme, Teledyne RDI – part of Teledyne Marine – is supplying a suite of acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCPs) to support the collection of oceanographic data.
The EIA project within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone examines the potential environmental effects of critical mineral exploration on the seafloor. Deployment of the ADCP systems, coordinated by DRT, is being carried out by CSA Ocean Sciences, with installation operations conducted from the vessel Anuanua Moana, owned by Kiva Marine.
Acting as in-situ sensors, the ADCPs from Teledyne RDI will capture vital data on current direction, turbulence and sediment plume transport. These instruments will be deployed on deep-sea moorings to monitor conditions across the full water column, delivering continuous insights over extended periods.
Teledyne RDI ADCPs are made in the USA under ISO 9001 certification, with each instrument individually handcrafted and rigorously tested prior to deployment. Designed to perform in challenging ocean environments, the Workhorse ADCPs are proven to deliver reliable performance at extreme depths while providing high‑quality data for long‑term moorings and multi‑month deployments. More than 50,000 units have been deployed worldwide over the past 40 years.
“Before deep-sea mining can move forward, international regulations demand proof that operations won’t harm marine ecosystems,” said Paul Devine, subject matter expert at Teledyne RDI. “Our ADCP technology provides the high-resolution current and sediment transport data essential for responsible resource development, even in the most challenging environments.”
Range of ADCP systems
The project will be supported by a range of Teledyne ADCP systems selected to suit varying operational depths and measurement requirements. Drawing on the proven electronics of the Workhorse platform – Teledyne RDI’s flagship product line – the Workhorse II builds on this established foundation with extended capabilities, while the Long Ranger systems provide long-range, self-contained solutions for deeper and more remote deployments.
Frank Johnson, vice president of marine operations at CSA Ocean Sciences, said: “With decades of collaboration behind us, CSA and Teledyne RDI have advanced side by side. CSA has long depended on RDI’s 24/7 service – sensor selection, setup guidance, and urgent field support, including middle-of-the-night calls – giving CSA the confidence to execute highly reliable deployments even in the harshest deepwater environments.”
“Besides deploying Teledyne RDI ADCPs for the environmental monitoring project in Japan from our vessel Anuanua Moana, Kiva Marine – as part of Ocean Minerals and sister company to Moana Minerals – has recently acquired more Teledyne RDI ADCPs (Workhorse Long Ranger 75khz) for mooring recovery and redeployment activities in the Cook Islands,” said Hans Smit, CEO and president of Ocean Minerals. “The proven reliability of Teledyne RDI instruments, combined with strong technical support, makes them a trusted partner for our deepwater operations.”
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and regulators recommend contractors collect at least three years of oceanographic data before mining approval. By delivering high-resolution measurements from multiple depths over extended periods, Teledyne ADCPs are helping DRT and this emerging sector meet and exceed international standards.
