Russia-based marine navigation systems group Transas has selected Ranger 2 acoustic positioning technology, developed by Sonardyne International, for use in two new ice-class multi-purpose salvage vessels (MPSVs) being built for the Russian Ministry of Transport.
The MPSVs are currently being developed by Marine Engineering Bureau at Nordic Yards in Germany.
Each of the vessels will be equipped with dual Ranger 2 Pro systems, which will provide support for complex underwater positioning and critical dynamic positioning (DP) station-keeping tasks.
In ultra-short baseline operating mode, the Ranger 2 calculates the position of a subsea target by measuring the range and bearing from a vessel-mounted transceiver to an acoustic transponder fitted to the target.
The Ranger 2 then matches it to a dynamic positioning system to help maintain the vessels’ position.
In pro configuration mode, the Ranger 2 helps the vessel in long and ultra-short baseline acoustic positioning by using a network of transponder installed on the seabed.
The idea of incorporating dual Ranger 2 Pro systems is to provide continuous position output to the DP system, even upon failure of one system.
Sonardyne sales manager Simon Goldsworthy said they have a long-standing relationship with Transas and have been involved in many of their recent ship system installations.
“Such is the complexity of operations these new Russian Ministry of Transport vessels are expected to undertake once they are commissioned, Ranger 2 Pro was the optimum solution to supply. The redundancy offered by the technology provides complete assurance that the vessels will be able to carry out their important work in all circumstances,” Goldsworthy said.
Transas Navigator general director Dmitry Lagoutin said Transas Group is an international supplier of high-tech products, with many years of experience in creating integrated onboard systems for ships and a large partner base around the world.