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cise its options to order a further two Ramform Titan-class vessels (3 & 4) from MHI. The new Kongsberg Maritime ?Full Picture? packages for PGS Ramform Titan-class ves- sels 3 & 4 are based on the systems supplied for the  rst two vessels, which are close to completion and expected to be delivered in 2013. Ramform Titan-class vessels 3 & 4 are scheduled for delivery in 2015 respectively. The Ramform Titan-class includes a signi cantly up- graded GeoStreamer based seismic package and is de-signed to maximize the full bene ts of the GeoStreamer towing ef ciency. Supporting the advanced PGS developed GeoStreamer seismic technology is an extensive delivery including back-deck handling systems, hydraulic and winch systems and integrated control system from Kongsberg Maritime subsidiary Kongsberg Evotec. These systems are designed for the safe and ef cient handling of streamers and other equipment on the back-deck. A specialized redundant seis- mic track system will be delivered as part of the Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos DP class 2 system and Thruster Control Systems, while navigation for Ramform Titan-class ves- sels will be carried out using the advanced K-Bridge inte- grated bridge system.Navy Launches New Oceanographic Survey Ship The Navy christened and launched its newest oceano- graphic survey ship, USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), the last of its class at VT Halter Marine?s shipyard in Moss Point, Miss., in a traditional Navy ceremony on March 27. The 350-ft. ship is named for Cmdr. Matthew F. Maury, considered to be the father of oceanography, nicknamed the ?Path nder of the Seas? and the  rst su- perintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Maury is 24 ft. longer than its six sister ships to accommodate a 300 sq.-ft. moon pool for easier deployment and retrieval of unmanned underwater vehicles. Matthew Maury developed wind and tide charts in the 1840s from ship?s logs, and realized the importance that understanding the natural environment has for ship operations. That lesson has persisted. USNS Maury will survey the world?s oceans, collecting ocean data, for Navy operations, continuing the work in the 21st cen- tury that Matthew Maury started in the 19th. The ship will be operated by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NAVMETOCCOM). www.seadiscovery.com MTR #4 (18-33).indd 19MTR #4 (18-33).indd 195/6/2013 10:51:43 AM5/6/2013 10:51:43 AM