NOAA - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Maritime have been chosen as the exclusive suppliers of marine scientific equipment, oceanographic handling systems, and deck machinery for two new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charting and mapping vessels, the Surveyor and Navigator. The vessels are being constructed by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a shipbuilding company based in Louisiana, USA. Ships feature The ships feature an advanced array of technology from Kongsberg Discovery to map, monitor, and safeguard the marine environment, supporting mariners, commerce, and aquatic life. Kongsberg Maritime's state-of-the-art oceanographic handling, anchoring, and mooring systems are incorporated into the design of the new vessels to enhance their operational efficiency and performance. Mission critical role The Surveyor and Navigator mark the next generation of NOAA multi-mission platforms With launch dates of 2027 and 2028, the Surveyor and Navigator (contracted at a combined value of USD 624.6 million) mark the next generation of NOAA multi-mission platforms, with a primary mission of hydrography utilising the latest technology for mapping and characterising the United States Economic Zone. Kongsberg Discovery has a key role to play. Integrated package of solutions Kongsberg Discovery US, the US office of the Norwegian technology company Kongsberg Discovery A/S is delivering an integrated package of solutions, including state-of-the-art sonars for high-resolution ocean mapping from coastal waters to full ocean depth: EM 2040 and EM 304 multibeam echo sounders, SBP 29 sub-bottom profilers, and EK 80 split beam echo sounders.  When used together, these systems provide the ability to collect high-quality bathymetry and seabed backscatter, deep penetration high-resolution sub-seabed structure; and water column structure and calibrated backscatter, which allows for the study of physical phenomena, biomass concentration, and migration, as well as detect seafloor gaseous anomalies like methane seeps. Unlocking ambition "It is truly an honour to be selected for these trailblazing ships, which will have such an important role in serving the nation for decades to come," comments Meme Lobecker, Technical Sales Manager, Kongsberg Discovery, adding, "Our technology has been developed to deliver outstanding results in the most demanding conditions, unlocking true understanding of the ocean depths for the good of society, security, and the environment." Kongsberg Discovery innovations Meme Lobecker continues, "As such, this contract encapsulates the core of our purpose, demonstrating how Kongsberg Discovery innovations help customers meet their most ambitious objectives. We’re delighted to have been chosen as a trusted scientific supplier and integrator by both NOAA and the team at Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors." Significant project The delivery of a complete integrated scientific handling system enabling safe and efficient operations Kongsberg Maritime’s contract, worth 123m NOK (USD 11.25m) for the two ship programmes, signed with Thoma-Sea, includes an option to supply two further vessels. The supply contract will see the delivery of a complete integrated scientific handling system enabling safe and efficient operations with cables up to 5,000 metres in length. The scientific winch system comprises two Hydrographic winches, one Brailing winch, and a comprehensive arrangement of sheaves for cable routing between units. Overboard handling units The delivery also includes overboard handling units: one Stern A-frame and one CTD Handling Gear, including a common Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), as well as Main- and store cranes. The control system, fully developed and maintained in-house by KONGSBERG, features KONGSBERG’s proprietary predictive active heave compensation (AHC) algorithm providing accurate winch system response matched to vessel motion, by aid of KONGSBERG’s motion reference unit (MRU). Kongsberg Maritime is also supplying the anchoring and mooring systems for both vessels. Mission-critical technology "We are delighted to have been selected by NOAA and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors for this significant project," said Aileen Kehoe, VP of Sales – Special Vessels – Navy, at Kongsberg Maritime. Aileen Kehoe adds, "Kongsberg Maritime supplies a wide range of mission-critical technology to many of the world’s most advanced oceanographic research ships, and we’re delighted to have been selected for these two latest vessels which will carry out essential scientific research duties for the USA." Future focus The ships will primarily focus on ocean mapping and nautical charting, acquiring, and processing large data sets Once operational, the ships will primarily focus on ocean mapping and nautical charting, acquiring, and processing large data sets to help mariners navigate US ports and harbours. Further missions will include collecting data for oceanographic monitoring, research, and modeling activities while supporting coastal resource management and the nation’s blue economy. Underwater robotics and sensor technology "Creating the nation’s nautical charts is one of NOAA’s oldest responsibilities," said Sin Suen, Program Manager for NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, adding, "These new vessels will carry on that mission and having the latest technology and systems aboard is critical to their success." Kongsberg Discovery launched as a standalone business in April 2023, building on decades of experience within KONGSBERG to create a market leader focusing exclusively on cutting-edge underwater robotics and sensor technology.

Florida’s Lake Worth Drainage District (the District) is a case study in maximising the potential of SmartCover’s remote monitoring technology by leveraging satellite communication. The District provides comprehensive flood control, water conservation and water supply protection for 13 municipalities, serving more than 750,000 residents. The District monitors and controls a complex system of approximately 500 miles of canals, 20 major water control structures and numerous minor structures across over 200 square miles – a daunting task given the potential for large storm events and the physical extent of the District. SmartCover’s remote monitoring The increasing severity of hurricanes and heavy rains have contributed to greater sewer overflows The increasing severity of hurricanes and heavy rains have contributed to greater sewer overflows; damaging property, harming the environment, and impacting public health. The District looked to enhance their sewer intelligence with real-time visibility into the status of their underground infrastructure, to protect the public health of the residents in the face of extreme weather events. MetOcean and SmartCover joined forces to provide real-time satellite monitoring that enabled them to gain uninterrupted visibility of their infrastructure and protect the surrounding environment. By leveraging the Iridium satellite network, SmartCover’s remote monitoring technology helped the District prevent sewer spills during one of the most severe weather events to hit southeast Florida. SmartCover SmartCover’s industry-pioneering analytics include a comprehensive dashboard with alarms and notifications that monitor systems continuously 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It is also the only North American sewer monitoring company utilising the Iridium satellite network. SmartCover has cumulatively acquired more than 15,000 years of data to provide robust and reliable data acquisition and alarming functions. The built-in event management platform integrates localised weather and tidal data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as USGS stream data to help respond to issues before they become environmental, financial and public health emergencies. The Iridium network Iridium LEO network uses L-band frequencies to share with its users as these frequencies are more resilient In order to protect its residents, the District deployed SmartCover monitoring technology to gain a combined system-wide view of their canal status, as well as rainfall intensity and duration. SmartCover’s industry-pioneering analytics, alarms, and notifications utilise the Iridium satellite network, guaranteeing reliable connectivity even during power and cell outages. Powered by a sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked Low Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites, the Iridium satellite network provides a web of coverage that encompasses the entire planet.  The Iridium LEO network uses L-band frequencies to communicate with its users as these frequencies are more resilient to weather, providing reliable communications even in adverse conditions. In space, an Iridium satellite is linked up to four others – creating a dynamic network that routes traffic among satellites to ensure data is transmitted at the fastest possible speeds, no matter what happens on Earth or in orbit. In 2019, Iridium completed the $3 billion Iridium NEXT mission, which completely replaced the first-generation Iridium constellation and set the foundation for Iridium to meet the growing demand for global communications around the world. The unparalleled reach, high coverage and high dependability of the Iridium network meant that users could rely on critical communication lines to work when they need it most – such as during a Category Five hurricane. Hurricane Irma SmartCover technology utilising satellite contacts was put to the test during Hurricane Irma The SmartCover technology utilising satellite communications was put to the test during Hurricane Irma in September of 2017. Hurricane Irma was the strongest storm on record to exist in the open Atlantic region, and the combined effect of storm surge and tide produced maximum inundation levels of 4 to 6 ft above ground level for portions of Miami-Dade County in southeastern Florida. The SmartCover units utilised the Iridium satellite network to constantly communicate the dynamic conditions within the District’s flood control infrastructure. This, along with the integration of NOAA rainfall information, regional radar data and tidal information, worked in conjunction with the District’s remote-control SCADA system to limit the risks to home damage as well as other environmental risks due to potential sewer overflows. Adaptive stormwater system The use of the Iridium satellite network revolutionised the District’s response time, allowing changes in conditions to be monitored in real-time, with full visibility from the satellite network, reducing the uncertainty around the conditions in the flood control network. This adaptive stormwater system allowed the District to operate with no interruption in service before, during, or after Irma – a feat that could not have been accomplished with standard mobile technology. This constant visibility resulted in no sewer spills, protecting the public health of the District’s residents and enhancing the resiliency of the utility.

As Posidonia 2024 opens, Norway-based maritime technology business, Shipnet, has announced the launch of Helix, a revolutionary new product designed to transform decision-making in the shipping industry through advanced data analysis.  Helix provides a digital representation of your shipping business, enabling seamless integration and analysis of data from various sources such as safety, pricing, and procurement. By leveraging these diverse data inputs, Helix uncovers actionable insights to enhance business operations.  Integrated vessel management software Established in 1991 and headquartered in Oslo, Shipnet has a legacy of addressing industry challenges with its integrated vessel management software, trusted by over 150 businesses in 31 countries. Its expertise in integrated vessel management software allows businesses to see the bigger picture by combining technical, commercial, financial, and analytical operations. Analytical capabilities John Wills, Vice President of Product at Shipnet said, "It’s not uncommon for businesses in the shipping industry to suffer as a result of insufficient data and our simplicity, transparency, and ability to connect different business areas gives the most informed decision-making." He adds, "Our analytical capabilities with the launch of Helix will ultimately transform your business by funnelling your data into Helix, allowing finding out how your business is performing."  Flexible reporting dashboard John Wills continues, "It allows integration from whichever programme you are already using such as Excel, Sisense, or Microsoft Power BI, and learn whatever you choose from it." He stated, "Particularly where ESG is increasingly important, Helix enables you to change and improve your business and see what’s currently driving it. It will be the most flexible reporting dashboard on the market." Real-world applications The system has weather data from the last five years from NOAA which can be overlaid The real-world applications of Helix are extraordinary, just one example of how Helix can be used is when looking at safety and accidents at sea. The system has weather data from the last five years from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which can be overlaid with a business’s historical data of conditions, incidents, response times, workforce, etc. enabling accurate predictions of outcomes.  Uncover the hidden insights “Many workers may take more care when conditions are not favourable compared to when conditions are good and therefore the likelihood of accidents could be higher during better conditions,” said John Wills. Helix will propel shipping companies forward by revealing hidden insights within their fleet DNA and empower them to take action accordingly. Saves time Future expansions are already in motion, with AI tools set to be integrated into Helix later in 2024. This integration is set to revolutionise the approach to data analysis, with customers being able to ask the system a question, with an answer pulled from multiple data sources, saving valuable time.