Njord Survey Integrates Sonardyne Navigation into ecoSUB AUVs for Enhanced Subsea Surveys
Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Njord Survey has adopted advanced navigation technology from Sonardyne to equip its ecoSUB Robotics autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for comprehensive subsea survey missions.
Leveraging Compact Navigation for Scalable Survey Operations
By incorporating Sonardyne’s compact SPRINT-Nav U navigation system into ecoSUB’s streamlined AUV platforms, Njord Survey aims to expand its operational capacity, initially focusing on unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection surveys. This integration supports large-scale deployment strategies that facilitate simultaneous multi-vehicle operations.
Efficiency Gains Through Parallel Deployment and Reduced Vessel Reliance
Accurate navigation underpins Njord Survey’s approach to minimizing dependence on survey vessels, thereby cutting logistical complexity, operational costs, and overall project timelines. Running multiple AUVs concurrently allows for faster data acquisition and greater operational flexibility, a significant advancement compared to traditional single-platform, single-vessel methods.
Combining Detection and Verification for Superior Survey Quality
The ecoSUB AUVs are designed to perform both detection and visual verification tasks within the same mission, enabling rapid re-tasking without the need for additional equipment or platforms. This dual capability enhances data reliability and reduces false positives, streamlining the survey process while maintaining high-quality results.
Expert Insight: Advancing Hydrographic and Geophysical Surveying
Anders Wikmar, Survey and Technical Director at Njord Survey, emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation:
“Our mission is to deliver intelligent, cost-efficient solutions by collaborating with industry leaders like ecoSUB and Sonardyne. Deploying multiple small AUVs simultaneously allows us to transcend the limitations of traditional survey methods, significantly boosting efficiency.”
“Reducing vessel dependency while integrating detection and visual confirmation on a single platform helps us eliminate false targets, conserve vessel time, and quickly adapt mission parameters-resulting in faster, more adaptable surveys without sacrificing data integrity.”
“Achieving these operational improvements hinges on each vehicle’s ability to gather spatially precise data for detection, correlation, and verification. The SPRINT-Nav U system delivers the navigation accuracy essential for these advancements, enabling cost-effective and logistically feasible large-scale deployments.”
Future Outlook: Immediate Deployment and Continuous Innovation
Njord Survey plans to deploy its ecoSUB AUVs directly on client projects, aiming to showcase the tangible benefits of this technology from the outset. The company is committed to refining its survey methodologies to meet evolving industry demands while maintaining a focus on low-carbon, high-quality hydrographic and geophysical data acquisition.
Industry Context and Emerging Trends
With the global underwater survey market projected to grow significantly-driven by offshore energy, marine construction, and environmental monitoring-solutions like Njord Survey’s scalable AUV deployment model are poised to set new standards. The integration of compact, high-precision navigation systems is critical as operators seek to optimize survey efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
