Marport Designing New Technologies & Products for Ocean Science
Enabling technologies support new discoveries and lead to fundamental advances in the knowledge of our oceans. In the 1940s and 50s, the first global scale mapping of the seafloor enabled the discovery of seafloor spreading which has since revolutionized ideas of earth structure. A decade later, the first exploration of mid-ocean ridges using deep-towed vehicles and submersibles resulted in the discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents occupied by forms of life that previously had been unknown. Since then ocean scientists have used a variety of tools to help re-define understanding of the world’s oceans.
Ocean sciences are now on the threshold of another major technological advance as the scientific community begins to establish a global, long-term presence in the oceans. This opportunity arises from the emergence of new remote sensing and communications technologies such as:
- telemetry technology (e.g., acoustic modems, satellites and fibre-optics) that enables real-time telemetry of subsea sensor data as well as interactive control of instruments in even the most remote parts of the deep sea;
- new sensors that make it possible for in situ measurements of physical, chemical, and biological processes;
- computer hardware and visualization software to build realistic models of ocean phenomena;
- data archival systems that can store, manipulate, and retrieve data from arrays of sensors; and
- computer networks that can bring real-time data to the desktop, which could enhance participation of researchers, students, educators. Data widely available via the World Wide Web could also generate significant interest by the general public in ocean research and discovery.
At Marport, we believe that the oceans offer the last great source of protein and energy – particularly in deepwater and pristine arctic regions – resulting in a need for enhanced levels of environmental monitoring and ocean observation systems. Marport scientists and engineers are researching and developing new underwater sensing, data logging and acoustic telemetry products for ocean science. We’re also working with a wide variety of world-class ocean science organizations to understand current and future requirements for Ocean Observation Systems.
As an example, the Global Ocean Observing System is a permanent global system for observations, modelling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide. The global market for such systems is being driven by a complex and interrelated set of factors ranging from climate change to the geopolitical, from military to geological.
And the market is expected to be significant.
In a recent study commissioned by the University of Victoria and completed by Douglas-Westwood Limited, the global market for Ocean Observation Systems was valued at some $1.8 billion in 2006 and is expected to grow to $2.2 billion by 2011. With increasing impact of market drivers – in particular the response to global warming – the analysts expect total forecast expenditures for Ocean Observation Systems will grow significantly.
Marport’s TrueTrawl® System Named Best of Gear
The January 2009 edition of National Fisherman magazine named Marport’s TrueTrawl® net geometry system as Best of Gear.
Marport’s TrueTrawl Net Geometry System is designed to check the geometry of the net so operators can react quickly changes in net dynamics. Such corrective actions can improve catch quality and reduce risk of expensive net damage.
The system consists a Master Geometry sensor and up to four Slave Responders. The Master Geometry sensor is typically positioned on the headrope. The responders are placed on each door and can be used in single rig, 2 warp twin rigs and 3 warp twin rigs (as shown below). The results from the measurements made by the system are transmitted by wireless acoustic signal to the vessel’s bridge display. The data is presented in an easy to read and understand 3D graphical format.
We appreciate the recognition and thank the good folks at National Fisherman magazine!
Caruso SF7 Animation
Marport has again accomplished an industry first with the new Caruso SF7 Multi-Function Phased Array Sounder for surface warships and submarines. This radical design is based on Marport’s revolutionary Software Defined Sonar. The animation below is an excellent illustration of the Caruso SF7 in action on a submarine. Enjoy!
The Power of Software Defined Sonar Technology
A few days ago, the fishing vessel Sigurbjörg experienced a broken Distance Sensor while fishing in the Barents Sea. The vessel wasn‘t carrying an extra spare, so the Captain called Marport technical suppport for assistance. With traditional based sensor designs, the vessel would have to return the sensor to shore for repairs. However, the vessel was also carrying a number of Marport‘s software defined Catch Sensors.
Helgi Ingason, one of Marport‘s senior field technicians spoke to the Captain and Chief Engineer via Inmarsat telephone and explained how to remove the sensor processing module board from the Catch Sensor and install it in the Distance Sensor. Once that was accomplished, Helgi emailed a Distance Sensor software application from his office in Reyjavik to the Captain‘s laptop computer aboard the vessel. The Captain then placed the sensor next to his laptop, and using a Bluetooth wireless link, he successfully reprogrammed the processing module to become a Distance Sensor.
This is another great example of the many benefits of Marport‘s Software Defined Sonar technology. By being able to dynamically reconfigure a critcial sensor, the Sigurbjörg was able to stay on the fishing grounds and maintain harvesting efficiency.
Great job, Helgi!
Computer Animation Highlights Marport Sensors
The following computer animation was prepared by Alexander Olkhovich from Inter-Trade Electronics, a Marport distributor based in Saint Petersburg, Russia. While most of the text is in Russian, the animation does a great job of conveying how Marport‘s various sensors operate. We think you‘ll enjoy it. A special thanks to Alexander for sending it along. Nazdrovyeh!
Marport Delivers Canadian Navy Contract – Ahead of Schedule and On Budget!
HMCS Toronto is one of 12 Canadian Patrol Frigates that will be equipped with Marport’s Software Defined Sounder
In May, 2008 the Government of Canada awarded Marport a $1.4 million contract to upgrade the depth sounders on the Halifax class frigates. Marport’s sounder will replace the existing AN/SQN 501 equipment with an open architecture, software defined solution designed for submarines and surface ships. A software defined sounder incorporates agility, configuration flexibility and future-proofing. This will ensure that Marport’s depth sounder remains the most comprehensive and highly capable in-service sounder in the world, thus sustaining a key advantage for the Canadian Navy.
It was a busy holiday season around Marport’s offices as we prepared to deliver. Marport personnel worked harder than Santa’s elves to ensure that the systems were shipped to the Navy depot by December 31st.
Bravo Zulu to all staff who pitched in – with special thanks to Gilles, Neil, Brian K. and the teams at ELEKTO and PF Collins.
