Overview

Our range of heavy duty acoustic release frames increase the Working Load Limit (WLL) of RT 6-3000 and RT-6000 acoustic release transponders, enabling you to lift, lower and release heavy loads onto the seabed, including structures and specialist equipment.

The Type 7869 release frame increases the WLL of a standard RT 6-3000 or RT 6-6000 to 7,500 kg (at 4:1 safety factor) with a breaking load of 30,000 kg.

The Type 7988 release frame has a WLL of 25,000 kg and breaking load of 100,000 kg.

In most cases, both types of release frame can be fitted without any modification to the acoustic release itself and are easily assembled in the field. Manufactured from high-strength steel which is galvanised and powder coated, the releases offer excellent corrosion resistance for long-term deployment.

Applications for which the acoustic releases have been developed include civil engineering, offshore construction, offshore renewables, marine salvage, defence and ocean science.

At a glance

• Working Load Limit of 7,500 or 25,000 kg
• Breaking load of 100,000 kg
• Choice of depth rating: 4,000 or 12,000 m
• Compact size; just over 1 metre long
• Industry standard lifting rings

Suitable for

• Subsea structure installation
• Research vessels

Designed to work in any depth

From less than 1 m in the transition and surf zones to 3000 m for ultra-deep-water seismic applications.

Our shallow and deep rated acoustic positioning systems improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of positioning seabed marine seismic nodes and cables, enabling the positioning of thousands of transponders in parallel with deployment and shooting operations.

The system uses a network of low cost, rugged transponders that can withstand fast deployment through mechanical ‘squirters’ to provide users with an efficient method of collecting the positions of thousands of seabed nodes in real-time.

A typical system comprises of acoustic positioning transponders attached to the seismic node or cable and a vessel or USV based acoustic range only or full USBL transceiver interfaced to a PC running our HydroPos seismic positioning control software application. Third party software applications that incorporate an acoustic control module can also be used with the system.

Once the nodes are deployed on the seabed, the system precisely measures the acoustic range (distance) or 3D position (USBL) from a surface transceiver on the pinging vessel to each transponder to enable its exact position to be established. The range and USBL positioning processes are more accurate than traditional first break techniques, 1-2 m absolute, and can either be conducted during node or cable deployment operations or later whilst shooting.

Configurations

Shallow water (range only or full USBL)

Uses HF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT2000 USBL system with Transition Zone Transponders and LRTs attached to seismic nodes or ocean bottom cable receivers. Offers ranging precision of better than 50 mm in up to 500 m water depth.

Deep water (range only or full USBL)

Uses MF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT 5000 USBL system with SST 6 and RT6-1000 transponders. Offers ranging precision of better than 15 mm in up to 3,000 m water depth.

OEM integration

Get all the benefits of of our deep water system but with an OEM version of our SST 6 integrated in to your seismic node.

At a glance

• Enables you to position thousands of nodes or cabled seismic receivers in real-time
• Operational in 1 to 3,000 m of water
• Uses low cost acoustic transponders and acoustic releases
• Scalable for both small and large surveys
• Scalable for both small and large surveys

Transponders

The transponders developed for the system are small and lightweight and are proven to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of surveys.

Standard features of the popular Type 7815 TZ Transponder include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules. TZ Transponders operate in the HF band.

The LRT is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

SST 6 incorporates our Wideband 2 digital acoustic signal processing architecture ensures robust positioning performance with high levels of ranging precision. It can be provided in 1,000m and 3,000m depth rated housings and is fitted with a handy Near Field Communications (NFC) link as standard for programming and battery status checking.

RT 6-1000 is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

Both SST 6 and RT 6-1000 are MF band transponders, compatible with our family of Ranger USBL acoustic positioning systems.

Transceivers

Two surface transceiver options are available for this system. TZ Transceiver (TZT) is small and lightweight making it perfect for use vessels-of-opportunity and uncrewed surface vessels which are increasingly being used in support of offshore seismic operations. It can operate in the HF or MF frequency band.

TZT is able to interrogate and calculate acoustic ranges to nine TZ Transponders or 95 SST 6 transponders at a time.

HPT 2000 (HF) and HPT 5000 (MF) are USBL transceivers configured to measure range and bearing to TZ Transponders and SST 6 transponders respectively. They are particularly well suited to high elevation tracking scenarios and offers true simultaneous tracking of multiple transponders providing superior position update rates.

Our team is here to advise you which configuration of transponders and transceivers your offshore seismic positioning system should be configured with to meet to operational requirements.

Repeatable, configurable, long-term surveillance

The Autonomous Monitoring Transponder (AMT) is a long-endurance transponder engineered for your long term subsea survey tasks and is capable of autonomously acquiring acoustic ranges and sensor data without surface control.

AMTs can detect subtle movement often not picked up by traditional ROV surveys so it’s ideal for monitoring slow movements, like creeping or buckling pipelines. Using structure and seafloor transponder buckets, they can be ROV-deployed, removed and re-installed to provide insight over time. Your AMTs can be configured to take measurements at specific intervals and be adjusted on-demand by you as your campaign progresses. Data can even be collected in real time using a USV should your operation need it.

As it’s collected, data is time-stamped and logged internally for recovery via the integrated high-speed acoustic telemetry modem. This autonomy allows measurements to be made over a long period of time without requiring a surface vessel or ROV to command the process. This enables new applications that save vessel and survey time so reducing cost and risk.

At a glance

• Recommended for long endurance site surveys
• Leave it deployed for six years or more
• Extensive choice of monitoring sensors
• Depth rated to 3,000 m
• Harvest data using a ship, buoy, AUV or USV

AMT has many of the same acoustic functions as Compatt 6, our most popular navigation transponder. It operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band and is fully Sonardyne Wideband 2 compatible.

Precision pressure, temperature, sound velocity and dual-axis inclinometer sensors are integrated and are intelligently powered up at the requested time and sampling period, providing an ultra-low power platform for up to three years deployment. Sampling regimes can be re-programmed, and recovery of all data can be achieved via the acoustic modem.

The instrument is available with a range of omni and directional transducers, depth ratings and pressure housings dependent on deployment duration and application. Additional external sensors can be easily integrated via the power and communications port.

What's possible

You need transponders to be tough, reliable and easy to work with. RT 6-3000 meets these requirements.

Part of our range of acoustic releases, RT 6-3000 combines our extensive mechanical design track record and many years of subsea mooring experience with the flexibility of our 6G platform. The result is an enhanced battery life and, perhaps most significantly, compatibility with our Ranger 2 USBL family.

Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover.

With RT 6-3000, you can use your Ranger 2 USBL to deploy, track, locate and command the instrument – removing the need for a separate topside unit.

If you don’t have access to a Ranger 2 USBL, our rugged and lightweight Deck Topside with an over-the-side dunker is all you need to configure and command your RT 6-3000s.

RT 6-3000s are used to anchor oceanographic moorings to the seabed. However, their compact size and compatibility with Ranger 2 makes them ideal for incorporation into instrument frames or lowered platforms to enable deployment of sub-system packages. Depth rated to 3,000 m, the maximum slant range for operation is dependent on the noise environment and topside used, but ranges to 4,500 m are achievable.

A battery disconnect fob is located on the transducer and uses an internal magnetic switch to electronically disconnect the battery when not in use. This means you don’t have to open the unit to manually disconnect the battery, saving time and reducing the risk of incorrect re-assembly.

Standard features include a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 1,275 kg (at 4:1) and the same trusted spring-assisted release mechanism used on thousands of Sonardyne transponders globally for many years. RT 6-3000 is compatible with our standard tandem and high-load release frames for scenarios requiring a higher WLL.

Speak to us about your requirements as custom frames are also an option.

SMART precision monitoring for your offshore assets

Unlock invaluable insights about the health and performance of your critical offshore structures, pipelines, and risers with your SMART monitoring system.

Tailor-made for your needs

We understand that no two offshore missions are the same. With a wide range of configurable sensor options, SMART can be customised to meet the precise monitoring requirements of your offshore mission. Our team will work with you to design and fabricate specialised mounting brackets to seamlessly integrate SMART into your infrastructure, including ROV-friendly setups for fast, efficient installation and retrieval.

Powerful onboard analytics

SMART’s advanced onboard processor enables sophisticated data analysis and processing right at the source. Advanced algorithms extract meaningful insights from raw sensor data, transforming high-bandwidth inputs into compact, critical updates that keep you informed on the status of your assets. Smart power management ensures long deployment times between maintenance. A low power data logger enables data received from external and internal sources to be securely archived using dual redundant storage.

Flexible data harvesting

Transmit stored data to the surface via industry-leading acoustic telemetry or high-bandwidth optical communication links. SMART integrates with your existing systems and workflows, with configurable software options to suit your needs – from standard diagnostics to custom analysis and visualisation tools.

SMART uses our trusted Wideband 2 acoustic telemetry module for your seafloor to surface communications. Operating in the Medium Frequency (MF) or Low Medium Frequency (LMF) band, there are options for omni-directional and directional transducers with high output powers for use in deep water and in challenging acoustic environments.

By utilising our Wideband 2 advanced spread spectrum coding, SMART can transmit your stored data at rates of up to 9,000 bps to topside transceivers and modems including our HPT 5000, Modem 6 and Dunker 6. An Ethernet connection to a BlueComm high bandwidth optical communication link enables larger quantities of data to be harvested from ROV, AUV or USV.

Dependable performance

SMART is engineered for precision, reliability, and flexibility. Trusted by leading offshore operators, this advanced monitoring system delivers the actionable intelligence you need to make informed decisions and protect your critical investments.

At a glance

• Battery options to support campaigns in excess of 10 years
• Can be deployed and recovered using ROV
• 3,000 m standard depth rating; options for 7,000 m
• Onboard logging and processing of data; offloaded acoustically on demand
• Built on our low power 6G hardware platform and Wideband 2 digital signal architecture for reliable acoustic performance in noisy conditions

Entry level – next level

What's possible

The RT 6-1000 is the versatile acoustic release transponder for your subsea operations. It can be commanded from multiple sources, including the Deck Topside, an Android app, or any Ranger 2 USBL system. This flexibility allows you to easily deploy, track, locate and retrieve your seabed equipment and ocean sensors.

One of the key advantages of the RT 6-1000 is its depth rating of 1,000 metres and weight load limit of 150 kg. This depth and payload capacity make it an ideal choice for scientists, surveyors, and military personnel who require a reliable and enduring solution for their underwater applications.

The RT 6-1000 is compatible with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL tracking systems, which are widely used on survey vessels around the world. This integration allows for seamless deployment, tracking, and retrieval of your equipment. No access to Ranger 2? No problem, the RT 6-1000’s NFC capability enables setup and control via its Android app or a dedicated Deck Topside unit.

Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover

At a glance

• The reliable choice to deploy, leave and recover seafloor equipment and sensors
• 1,000 metre depth rating; twice that of similar low-cost acoustic release transponders
• Tested, loaded, commanded and released using Deck Topside
• Also works with any Ranger 2 USBL to track it and activate it
• >13-month battery life means less time servicing it and more time using it
• 150 kg Working Load Limit to support your sensors and instruments
• Optional rope canister for heavy lifting

The RT 6-1000 offers impressive endurance, with a battery life of up to 13 months, making it well-suited for long-term deployments and year-long surveys. Its screw-off release mechanism ensures reliable recovery of the transponder and your equipment.

An optional rope canister attachment allows you to quickly and easily raise items left on the seabed, such as tools, cables and salvage. The canister deploys a high-strength rope as the transponder ascends, providing a convenient means of retrieval.

Unite your navigation and positioning for seamless efficiency

Fuse your workflow and control all your Long BaseLine (LBL), Sparse LBL, and SPRINT Inertial Navigation System (INS) projects from one intuitive interface. No more juggling multiple programmes – Fusion 2 simplifies your operations.

From subsea structure installation, metrology, pipeline and spool piece monitoring to pipeline positioning and more, Fusion 2 streamlines your subsea navigation and positioning. It connects LBL, Sparse LBL, and SPRINT INS for smooth workflows, real-time calibration and efficient deployments. This future-proof technology unlocks the potential of 6G+ and Wideband 3 instruments.

Real-Time Calibration: For faster, more efficient Sparse LBL operations, Fusion 2 allows real-time calibration of seabed transponders using Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM). Eliminating delays and ensuring you collect accurate data from the start.

Enhanced efficiency through optimising hardware mobilisation. By consolidating control under one program, you require less equipment offshore, reducing costs and simplifying logistics, as well as saving you valuable setup time.

Built for our latest 6G+ instruments, Fusion 2 unlocks the full potential of Wideband 3 signal technology, ensuring your operations are at the forefront of subsea navigation.

Fusion 2 – fuse your systems for optimal performance

Why Fusion 2 is perfect for your operations

Do more with less – no need to operate two independent software and hardware systems to control your 6G LBL and SPRINT INS – Fusion 2 does it all in a single interface.

Fusion 2 LBL allows you to run calibrations in real time. Meaning you spend less time calibrating and more time collecting the right data, first time.

Lower your start-up costs: for practical, reliable LBL INS, Fusion 2 supports use of our SPRINT 300 with fewer transponders.

Why choose it/us

Backed by over 40 years of LBL system experience, Fusion 2 is the obvious choice for your offshore installation projects. Its 6G+ technology allows centimetric subsea positioning in all water depths. Highly robust and accurate instruments, professionally supported by our in-house engineers and surveyors, have made it the system of choice for subsea structure installations for decades.

Used with products such as GyroCompatt 6+, it provides you with centimetric positioning along with class leading Lodestar gyroscopes for heading, pitch and roll measurements all in a single, easy to deploy instrument.

If your underwater operations require precise measurements, an acoustic metrology system using several Compatt 6+ transponders can be placed in a network on the seabed / structures / hubs. The depths of the Compatts can then be accurately measured and 6G+ Wideband acoustic ranges collected between them.

Fusion 2 enables your seabed transponders to be SLAM calibrated in real-time for easier and faster Sparse LBL operations. And by embedding sensor data with high-update navigation ranging data, there’s no more interruptions to positioning updates at critical moments.

You’ll begin to see the benefits even before your project teams head offshore. Acoustic and INS projects can be configured and checked onshore prior to vessel mobilisation – saving you time, streamlining procedures and helping you to further de-risk operations.

If you need to tailor your operations, Fusion 2 enables multiple computations, comparing different set-ups, allowing you to pick the one you want. Sparse LBL might suit one operation more than LBL and vice versa. Now it’s easy to check, on-site, which works best for you.

"The Kit"/technology/software

For optimal performance, Fusion 2 can be used with a number of our products – including Gyro Compatt 6+, Compatt 6+, SPRINT-Nav, ROVNav 6+ / mini ROVNav.

To further increase operational efficiency, digital signal processing protocol, Fusion 2 is best paired with Wideband 3, which you’ll find inside our trusted 6G platforms, Compatt 6+ and ROVNav 6+.

Wideband 3 gives you sensor data alongside navigation ranging data, providing your operators with real-time positions and sensor data at the same time. This allows the acceleration of update rates by a factor of ten, eliminating latency issues.

One billion cubic feet of seawater, 360° of coverage, one Sentry.

Key benefits

• Developed from our field proven detection, localisation and classification sonar technology
• Provides 360 degree, high volume coverage from a single location; sensitive to small leaks at ranges of over 500 m
• Low false alarm rate; automated operation – no need for constant supervision
• Localises integrity breaches at the time of detection
• ROV deployable and recoverable; perfect for short monitoring projects

Sentry is the answer to your subsea monitoring challenges. It is an active sonar which works by projecting a short-duration high-bandwidth pulse into the water and listening for echoes from any objects such as structures, ROVs or hydrocarbon leaks. The system is fully automated. If a hydrocarbon discharge is detected, it raises the alarm. Data on the leak position is displayed and automatically transmitted to your remote onshore monitoring stations. Multiple users can access and update the system remotely, allowing you to make best use of your time and resources. It is suitable for:

• Environmental surveys
• Pipeline and spool piece monitoring
• Leak detection
• Carbon capture and storage
• Automatic, wide-area leak monitoring

Active, automatic, flexible – Sentry for your asset monitoring operation needs

How it works

Developed by our sister company Wavefront Systems, manufactured and commercialised by Sonardyne, Sentry covers a 360° field of view, with a detection coverage radius up to 1,200 m and is capable of monitoring over one billion cubic feet of seawater. It can detect leaks of monophase gas down to 0.1 litre per minute (equivalent to around 1 barrel of oil per day) or monophase oil to 1 litre per minute (equivalent to 10 barrels of oil per day).

Wired and battery-powered configurations of Sentry IMS provide flexibility in how and when you can use the system. Mounted on a lander, Sentry-W connects into your asset’s existing power and communication seafloor infrastructure. It will run autonomously, providing alerts to your remote operations centre only when its on-board processing has determined a positive detection and classification of a leak.

Where no infrastructure is available, Sentry-B (a standalone battery operated system) can be lander-deployed, complete with subsea data processing, close to your assets. At pre-set intervals, or when a leak event is detected, summary data is transmitted using a 6G acoustic modem to a surface transceiver for onward transmission to your remote operations centre. Surface transceivers and satellite communications systems can be mounted on a moored buoy, integrated into an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), or fitted to any other surface asset.

Common applications

CCS site monitoring

Containment failure at an offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) site, while highly unlikely, is of significant concern to regulatory bodies, operators and environmental groups. We have developed the capability to detect and monitor any leakage at high risk locations combining Sentry sonar and chemical sensors on a lander to deliver sensitive and reliable automated leak detection capability across wide areas.

Speak to us about your CCS requirements.

Offshore hydrogen production and storage site monitoring

As we transition towards a net zero world, hydrogen is set to play a larger role in our energy system. This includes offshore production and then transport via pipeline to shore. It may also include underground storage, including in sites offshore, similar to how natural gas has been stored. Containment monitoring and asset integrity assurance are just as important here and Sentry provides an ideal solution. Contact us to find out more.

Need mobile, more targeted monitoring over distance?

For inspecting greater lengths of subsea assets, such as your trunk pipelines, our compact yet high-performance Solstice side scan-sonar containing powerful automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms can be integrated into an AUV to provide detection and location of any containment losses of oil or gas. Find out more here.

Measuring the shortest change, to give the longest warning – how it works

A tsunami wave in deep water creates a small (a little as 3 cm) but measurable change in pressure that can be maintained in excess of 20 minutes.

The sensitive pressure sensor in the BPR detects the small, but continuous change in water pressure, which triggers transmission of a series of warning messages to a surface buoy moored above it. This means that the first message warning of a tsunami, caused by a small variation in water pressure on the seabed thousands of miles from shore, can be in the office of the monitoring organisation within minutes, if not seconds.

The Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS), developed by MSM Ocean and Sonardyne, centres around a sophisticated Bottom Pressure Recorder (BPR) deployed on the seabed. This modified Compatt 6 transponder works in conjunction with a surface buoy and onshore control centre to create a comprehensive tsunami detection network.

The BPR operates at depths up to 7,000 m and features impressive longevity, running for four years on standard power or up to nine years when housed in a glass sphere configuration. Operating in the LMF band (14-20 kHz), the device samples water pressure every 15 seconds and typically transmits data hourly to the surface. The system is compatible with various surface transceivers, including our Ranger 2 USBL system.

The detection process is both sensitive and precise. The BPR can identify pressure changes as small as 3 centimetres, using the NOAA DART® algorithm to compare measured pressure against predicted values. When two consecutive variations exceed the preset threshold (typically 3cm), the system enters alert mode. Data is then transmitted acoustically to the surface buoy, which relays the information via dual Iridium satellites to the shore. This entire alert process takes only minutes to complete.

System management is streamlined through the NETCOM-TS web application, which provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities. The data is shared with NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center, ensuring broad distribution of critical warning information. The system can be configured remotely, and maintenance is straightforward thanks to an acoustic release mechanism that allows for simple recovery and redeployment. Unlike some competing systems, this solution requires no underwater cables, making it particularly reliable and easy to maintain.

This integrated system serves as a crucial link in the chain of tsunami detection and warning, providing coastal communities with vital advance notice of potential threats. By combining robust hardware with sophisticated detection algorithms and seamless communication protocols, the system delivers a dependable early warning solution that can save lives and property in vulnerable coastal areas.

At a glance

• All-in-one wireless solution for detecting tsunamis; no fixed sea-to-shore infrastructure required
• Detects height variation on the water surface as small as 1 mm; a change of 3 cm launches a tsunami event (tsunami alert)
• Generates Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART®) warnings which can be received onshore within seconds of a confirmed tsunami event
• Low cost of ownership; COTS technology with long service intervals
• IALA compliant buoy for increased safety of the system to guarantee availability
• Remote monitoring and control for ease of operation
• Intuitive shore control interface using MSM Ocean’s NETCOM-TS software

Why choose Sonardyne & MSM?

Easy ownership

Our warning system is commercial-off-the-shelf, can be acquired easily, delivered in short timescales and commissioned without any significant national investment in, or construction of, sea-to-shore infrastructure.

It’s integrated

Competing warning systems are often made up of individual sensors, battery packs and modem with vulnerable connectors and cables. Together with MSM Ocean, we provide a one-stop shop solution that’s rugged and robust.

It’s proven

The system’s built using proven, high security wireless seabed to shore monitoring and communications technology, with proven performance in detecting tsunamis.

Unlocking subsea secrets with PIES

Imagine the possibilities

Boost your operations: Make informed decisions with a deeper understanding of ocean currents and seismic activity.

Save time and money: Deploy PIES for up to five years, reduce personnel costs and environmental impact through unmanned data retrieval.

Uncover hidden insights: Combine PIES data with other geophysical measurements for a comprehensive view of the ocean floor.

How PIES works for you

PIES is designed to seamlessly integrate into your system:

• Easy to use: Simple setup and configuration, with flexible ping rates to match your needs.
• Reliable data: Consistent, accurate measurements for months or even years.
• Versatile retrieval: Access data when you want it, remotely, mid-operation, via unmanned vehicles or by traditional end of mission retrieval methods.
• Comprehensive insights: Developed for marine seismic and ocean science applications.

Why invest in PIES

• Suitable for environmental surveys / ocean currents monitoring / site survey and characterisation
• Harvest data using ROV, AUV, USV or surface vessel
• Integrated acoustic release for easy recovery
• Depth ratings to 6,000 m
• Choice of form factor to suit your operations