Advanced motion compensation for sonars introduced at Ocean Business 2025
- saul trewern
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Oslo, Norway – 7th April 2025 – Norwegian Subsea is bringing its acclaimed Motion Reference Unit (MRU) technology to sonar-based applications with the introduction of an updated MRU lineup featuring full aiding capabilities at Ocean Business 2025 this week.
Based on the same high-performance MRU platform already transforming applications such as wave radar and helideck monitoring, this newly packaged solution delivers precise roll, pitch, and heave data in addition to independent heading and velocity. It removes dependency on RTK or GNSS signals, eliminating common vulnerabilities that challenge efficiency and quality in bathymetric surveying.
The new MRU lineup will be showcased on stand V53 at Ocean Business 2025. Visitors to the stand will be able to explore how Norwegian Subsea’s calibration-free, maintenance-free MRU platform can be applied directly to their sonar motion compensation challenges. Built for plug-and-play compatibility with sonar systems including multibeam echo sounders, interferometric sonars, side-scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and forward-looking sonars, Norwegian Subsea MRUs enable consistent, high-quality heave data in real time.
According to Fredrik Dukan, CEO of Norwegian Subsea: “With our updated MRU portfolio, we're offering marine surveyors and other subsea professionals the same proven performance our customers in wave radar and helideck monitoring have relied on for years, now optimised for demanding hydrographic surveys. It’s the next logical step in our mission to make high-end motion compensation more accessible, robust, and reliable across the marine and offshore spectrum.”
Now with heading and velocity aiding, the updated MRU lineup builds on a platform already field-proven in some of the industry’s most demanding applications. In wave radar systems used by Miros and helideck monitoring solutions from ShoreConnection, Norwegian Subsea MRUs have demonstrated long-term, uninterrupted performance with zero recalibration required, delivering dependable motion data day after day while reducing cost and complexity for end users.
The MRU 9000 series is aimed at marine surveyors seeking the highest quality multibeam motion correction data but at approximately 50% of the list price of the most advanced competing systems. With 0.01° accuracy in roll and pitch, and high-precision surge and sway measurements, it is ideal for the most demanding sonar motion compensation applications. The broader MRU range also includes 3000 and 6000 series units, offering scalable performance depending on the use case, from general monitoring to active heave compensation and winch control.
In recent integrations with WASSP’s multibeam sonar systems, Norwegian Subsea MRUs have enabled survey-grade motion performance without the need for RTK connections. This has proven to be a game-changer for operators working in environments where traditional positioning services are out of reach. The WASSP collaboration also demonstrated how the MRU’s plug-and-play setup and consistent data delivery can improve overall system performance while keeping operational costs low.
Norwegian Subsea MRUs are engineered for ease of use and long-term reliability with ready-calibrated sensors that never require recalibration, compact form factors for flexible mounting, and OEM options for direct integration into sonar systems.
“With integrated heading and velocity, the MRU 9000 delivers the accuracy and consistency needed to reduce survey time, avoid data gaps, and eliminate the need for costly repeat missions. For those planning seabed mapping, subsea inspection, or complex underwater operations, our MRUs promise professional-grade motion data but with a significantly lower cost to access it,” adds Dukan.
Media contact
Chris Ruigrok – Sales Manager
(+47) 406 35 200
About Norwegian Subsea
Norwegian Subsea is a leading provider of high-performance Motion Reference Units (MRU) for marine, subsea, and offshore wind applications. Since its establishment in 2014, Norwegian Subsea has rapidly emerged as a trusted global supplier of motion sensors. Serving diverse sectors such as ship motion monitoring, hydrography, green energy, and subsea oil production, our satisfied customers testify to the reliability and quality of our solutions. Through the fusion of advanced sensor algorithms, state-of-the-art MEMS sensors, and top-notch hardware, we create superior products. Rigorous testing in cutting-edge laboratories and real-world environments ensures the performance and dependability of our sensors. With headquarters situated in Oslo, Norway, Norwegian Subsea remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers in motion monitoring and beyond.
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