Real Array Systems

  • Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) of Australia purchased an interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system from Kraken Sonar Systems of St. John’s, Newfoundland in December 2012. This is Kraken’s first commercial sale of the AquaPix SAS system, which follows two sets of sea trials in which the system had been previously tested by Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, Rhode Island. Financial terms and contract details regarding the DSTO sale were not disclosed.
    “We intend to run AquaPix in as wide a variety of environments as possible to ascertain its full range of capabilities,” said David Battle, Head of the Littoral Unmanned Systems Group at DSTO, which is part of Australia’s Department of Defense. He added that mine countermeasures and route survey tasks are their top priorities. Asked why DSTO selected the Kraken system, he cited the low cost of Aquapix ownership and several technical features. “We are hoping that the design emphasis on multi-path mitigation pays dividends in shallow water where SAS has been known to struggle,” Battle said, adding that the quality and consistency of data are key. Another DSTO priority is a quick and simple integration. “Reliance on correlation-based micro-navigation techniques should reduce the dependence on tight inertial navigation system coupling, thus simplifying the overall integration task.” While the contract value was not disclosed, Battle reported that the price paid was significantly less than those quoted by the other manufacturers who had been invited to tender. 
    A key feature of the Aquapix system that stands out in comparison to conventional sonar, said Kraken Sonar Systems President and CEO Karl Kenny, is the synthetic aperture signal processing software which “tricks the system into thinking the physical transducer array is much longer—20 to 25 times longer,” resulting in greatly increased image resolution and range. He adds that the interferomeric SAS produces detailed seabed images with 3 cm resolution to ranges over a 400-meter swath—200 meters x 2 for both sides of the vehicle. Through advanced signal processing, the transducer pings are realigned and made coherent over 1/16 of a wavelength, equivalent to the diameter of a thick human hair. “Interferometric” refers to upper and lower transducers that together enable locating a point on the seabed. In combination with the pressure sensor onboard, this provides the bathymetry. “The high resolution and potential improvements in coverage rate have generated a great deal of interest in SAS technology generally,” Battle said. “The ability to source both images and bathymetry through the same sensor seems to be emerging as a must-have feature for AUV sensors.”
    Kraken Sonar Systems was spun out from Marport Deep Sea Technologies in September 2012 to focus on military and commercial applications for the SAS technology initially developed by the NATO Underwater Research Center in La Spezia, Italy. Marport acquired the intellectual property from NATO via DRDC in 2010 and further developed the technology between early 2011 and August 2012. Dr. Marc Pinto, who has been involved in the development of SAS since the early 1990s and served as Head of the Mine Countermeasures Department at NATO Underwater Research Center, is currently Chief Technology Officer at Kraken.
    After spending 18 months developing the Aquapix system, Kraken’s first real-world testing opportunity came in August 2012 when they were awarded a Defense Industrial Research Program contract from DRDC to trial the system in a Repeat-Pass Interferometric SAS program. “The purpose was to collect sonar data to get very high resolution bathymetry,” said Vincent Myers, Defense Scientist at DRDC, by conducting multiple runs at varying altitudes over the same area, where mine-like targets had been placed. This also enabled them to look for subtle differences in what Myers refers to as “coherent change detection.” He added, “We also wanted the experience of using SAS in Canadian waters using one of our own vehicles.” Myers reported that Kraken’s integration of the system into the ISE-built hull section of the Arctic Explorer AUV went smoothly and there were no performance issues during the two-week trials. “Looking at the data, some images were pretty spectacular,” he recalled. “I’ve seen a lot of SAS data, and this was right up there, on par with world-leading SAS. I‘m impressed they were able to develop this technology in such a short period of time.” Kraken is currently processing the data.
    The system covered a swath of 220 meters per side, reported Myers, who added that the constant resolution provided by SAS is not found in other data acquisition methods. “The problem (with the other methods),” he said, “is that their resolution degrades with range which limits their usefulness for our purposes, which is to detect naval mines.” He said another advantage of the Kraken system is that it does not require an inertial navigation system to produce the imagery. He added that while INS is still required onboard to determine the absolute position, the ability to strap on to the Aquapix system without having to interface it with INS was a plus.
    The trials conducted at NUWC in November 2012 and January 2013 were supported by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between NUWC and Kraken. The purpose was to integrate and evaluate the AquaPix SAS on one of NUWC’s medium-sized AUV’s, a 12.75-inch diameter REMUS 600 built by Hydroid Inc. Kraken’s Kenny reports that NUWC engineers provided technical input on the payload module requirements and Kraken engineers designed a drop-in wet payload section with minimal integration requirements. Within a five-day period, the conventional sidescan sonar payload section was removed and Kraken’s AquaPix SAS module was assembled, tested and installed at NUWC’s facility.
    Known targets that had been laid were surveyed at varying altitudes and stand-off distances, reports Kenny who adds that there was consistent 3-cm resolution to ranges in excess of 200 meters. 3D bathymetric data was also collected to produce digital terrain models of the seabed in compliance with IHO S44 special order requirements.
    Delivery of DSTO’s Aquapix system is slated for the end of March. Asked if the availability of SAS at a low price point could be a game changer, Battle replied, “SAS could be a game changer if it proves robust in a wide range of environments.
    The problem has been that SAS has remained very expensive, and occasionally finicky, while real array side-scan systems have continued to evolve and improve. If SAS technology becomes more affordable and demonstrates the same kind of robustness that real array systems have become known for, then I think it will be adopted very quickly.” Myers said that a reduced-cost option for SAS will make this technology available beyond militaries—to research organizations and universities. Kenny reported that a key focus of Marport and Kraken’s R&D efforts has been to develop the technology that would enable them to price their Aquapix SAS system in the $250,000 range.



    (As published in the March 2013 edition of Marine Technologies - www.seadiscovery.com)

  • MR Feb-24#48 Index page MR Feb2024:MN INDEX PAGE  2/8/2024  11:05 AM)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 48

    Index page MR Feb2024:MN INDEX PAGE 2/8/2024 11:05 AM Page 1 ANCHORS & CHAINS MILITARY SONAR SYSTEMS tel:+44 (0) 1752 723330, [email protected] , www.siliconsensing.com Anchor Marine & Supply, INC., 6545 Lindbergh Houston, Massa Products Corporation, 280 Lincoln Street, SONAR TRANSDUCERS

  • MR Feb-24#47 , Barges & Real Estate for Sale/Rent  )
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 47

    ! Manufactured by MER Equipment (206) 286-1817 www.merequipment.com Join the industry’s #1 Linkedin group http://bit.do/MaritimeNetwork Vessels, Barges & Real Estate for Sale/Rent w?uO?ÐuA?Ž?wIGAl??GEÐŽYlGYlÐAÐUAOG s?AO?GAl?A?lŽd?suld?AYEA?A?GYG??lŽ lSGsYE??l????uA?OG?l|G?sIGEÐs?Ð?uAOŽY ?sYÐ

  • MR Feb-24#44 . The design emphasizes 
a real-time ?  ue gas sensor technol-
t)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 44

    emissions such as CO2, NOX, SOX, Technological Institute have developed Cold straightening is carried out using PM, and others. The design emphasizes a real-time ? ue gas sensor technol- the company's purpose-built hydraulic ease of installation, with a con? guration ogy – The Extinction-Minus-Scattering

  • MR Feb-24#42 OPINION: The Final Word
GAO: USCG Should Address 
Workforce)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 42

    OPINION: The Final Word GAO: USCG Should Address Workforce Recruitment and Retention Challenges By Heather MacLeod, Director, GAO’s Homeland Security and Justice team he Coast Guard has strug- Coast Guard established cyberspace as vessels to determine whether they meet gled for years to recruit an

  • MR Feb-24#39 .”
While the accomplishment is real, challenges remain, as)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 39

    tank volumes. It’s about segrega- X type] on ammonia at its Research Center Copenhagen (RCC). tion because of the toxicity.” While the accomplishment is real, challenges remain, as Safety concerns extend to the bunkering operations. While summarized last year by Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice ammonia

  • MR Feb-24#36 HYBRID 
2-stroke controllable pitch 
propeller PTO powertrai)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 36

    HYBRID 2-stroke controllable pitch propeller PTO powertrain Source: MAN Energy Solutions how the system is intended to operate, says Oskar Levander, VP Strategy & Business Development, Kongsberg Maritime. For example, a primary shaft-driven PTO rotates whenever the engine is running; a secondary one

  • MR Feb-24#35 PTI/PTO
30 years ago shaft generators with PTI capability)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 35

    PTI/PTO 30 years ago shaft generators with PTI capability kept container ships sailing at top speed. That purpose gone, PTI/PTO is making a new comeback in more cargo shipping segments, this time for reducing emissions. By Wendy Laursen etro? tting a shaft generator is not an insigni? - the ef? ciency

  • MR Feb-24#33 EAL  AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES
STACKING 
not forget any oil)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 33

    EAL AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES STACKING not forget any oil leak, big or small, can be catastrophic to the marine environment and marine life, with some EALs found to THE DECKS be only slightly less damaging than the phased-out traditional WITH BEST-IN-CLASS MARINE oils,” said VP of Business Development

  • MR Feb-24#31 EAL  AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES
“Our recommendations 
“A good)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 31

    EAL AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES “Our recommendations “A good bearing are simple. Please design is have good control over important.” your oil quality in the primary barrier, the aft – Øystein Åsheim Alnes sealing system,” Head of section for Propulsion and Steering, – Arun Sethumadhavan DNV

  • MR Feb-24#28  relating to Ukraine.” “MSP really only works when it’s)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 28

    ? ag continued today in Europe with those to emulate the logistics network. ships and employing U.S. citizen crews operations relating to Ukraine.” “MSP really only works when it’s as compared to mariners from develop- Ebeling’s point is highlighting the hand in glove with the cargo preference ing countries

  • MR Feb-24#25 MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 25

    MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY POWER SYSTEMS, WABTEC fuel blends up to 100% are in operation maintenance intervals to make sure that What’s the biggest challenge today, running on both biodiesel and re- our engines don’t have to be touched in your job? newable diesel blends.

  • MR Feb-24#23 MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 23

    MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY POWER SYSTEMS, WABTEC “Wabtec achieved Tier 4 NOx and PM without the use of aftertreatment, which sets our product apart from the competition in unlocking logistical ? exibility and life-cycle cost savings for the owner.” Photo Wabtec Matthew

  • MR Feb-24#22 R&D
MATT HART 
Matt Hart, Manager & Platform Leader)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 22

    R&D MATT HART Matt Hart, Manager & Platform Leader, Marine & Stationary Power Systems, Wabtec, offers insights on how the megatrends of decarbonization, energy transition and autonomy all inspire Image courtesy Wabtec and impact the marine power solutions from Wabtec. By Greg Trauthwein Matt, to start

  • MR Feb-24#20  
tions.  conditions don’t yet really exist for sustained new)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 20

    IoT connectivity, digital twins and autonomous opera- ity and capability gaps in detail as well as why the commercial tions. conditions don’t yet really exist for sustained new building • An emerging ? oating production segment – the pro- activity. Floating wind is a new technology where engineers

  • MR Feb-24#18 MARKETS
Scan the QR Code to 
Download the Intelatus)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 18

    MARKETS Scan the QR Code to Download the Intelatus Floating Production White Paper. Floating Production – A growing segment in transition © AdobeStock_Dolores Harvey The specialized deepwater oil & gas and ? oating offshore wind segments will share many of the same stakeholders and supply chains

  • MR Feb-24#17 METHANOL STORAGE
provals from other classi?  cation)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 17

    METHANOL STORAGE provals from other classi? cation societies are ongoing, said Lilp, – including accommodation.” although he acknowledges that journey from AiP to full class ap- As of September 2023, methanol had been speci? ed for 216 proval is substantive. In an area where the regulations underlying

  • MR Feb-24#16 THE PATH TO ZERO
Methanol’s Superstorage Solution  
Technica)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16

    THE PATH TO ZERO Methanol’s Superstorage Solution Technical inquiries to SRC Group ramped up after it received Approval in Principle (AIP) for a concept which ‘reinvented methanol fuel storage’ on board ships. Delivering the answers has seen technical talk converting into project discussions

  • MR Feb-24#15 Cruise ships can be cleaned during normal passenger)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 15

    Cruise ships can be cleaned during normal passenger transfer port calls. Cleanings and cargo operations can occur simul- taneously. How is this possible? The EverClean robots are small and require only a single cargo van on the pier. Multiple robots can be deployed simultaneously. Precision navigation

  • MR Feb-24#14 The Path to Zero – Sponsored
EverClean
The always clean)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 14

    The Path to Zero – Sponsored EverClean The always clean performance solution • • • • Save fuel Reduce carbon Minimize downtime Maintain biosecurity Improve performance T e Four E’s of Marine Sustainability: EverClean’s Solution to Biofouling t is a new year, but the age-old problem of biofouling per-

  • MR Feb-24#11  using the water itself. garages realize they can ?  t 30 percent)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 11

    crossed at higher speeds by avoid- those ? ve feet wide rolling cargo units?” Then NYC parking ing tunnels and bridges and using the water itself. garages realize they can ? t 30 percent more cars in their parking NYCEDC, and many others, realize that at a gut level, and facilities, and NYC may say: “Maybe

  • MR Feb-24#10  takes a little visualization to realize that if I pack an 8)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 10

    well in micro cargo delivery is complex, but it only micro cargo and continue to struggle with last mile inef? ciencies. takes a little visualization to realize that if I pack an 8 feet wide So please, let’s set a micro cargo standard width. I have box with stuff that needs to be delivered door to door

  • MR Feb-24#9  and 
improvement, providing realistic train- industry can)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 9

    to continuous technology offers a great avenue for and language barriers in training, the improvement, we can ensure a safer and improvement, providing realistic train- industry can not only improve safety more cohesive working environment for ing scenarios that are relevant regard- and ef? ciency but

  • MR Feb-24#8 Training Tips for Ships
Tip #56
Addressing Cultural and)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 8

    Training Tips for Ships Tip #56 Addressing Cultural and Language Barriers in Maritime Training By Murray Goldberg, CEO, Marine Learning Systems n the maritime industry, our inherently diverse workforce ciency. So what, speci? cally, are the issues and what can we is both a great value and a source of

  • MR Feb-24#5 EverClean
The always clean performance solution
Save)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 5

    EverClean The always clean performance solution Save fuel Reduce carbon Minimize downtime Maintain biosecurity Improve performance EverClean™ now includes EverClean IQ Our groundbreaking data solution designed to assist commercial vessel owners in understanding the general health of their hulls. VISIT