KONGSBERG equips new NIOZ research vessel with advanced ocean technology

KONGSBERG has supplied an advanced package of ocean science and navigation technologies for RV Anna Weber-van Bosse, the new research vessel operated by the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).

The 80-metre vessel was christened on the Dutch island of Texel in March. It replaces the research vessel RV Pelagia.

KONGSBERG equipped the ship with HiPAP acoustic positioning systems, EM304 and EM2040 multibeam echosounders, TOPAS sub-bottom profilers, advanced water column echosounders and Seapath inertial navigation systems.

The equipment will help scientists study climate change, ocean circulation, marine biodiversity and the seabed. It will also allow researchers to collect several high-resolution datasets during a single survey.

“RV Anna Weber-van Bosse marks a step-change in the ability of NIOZ to undertake research that pushes the envelope of ocean understanding,” said Stene Førsund, Vice President of Sales, Discovery Division at KONGSBERG.

“Our solutions will enable everything from deep-sea mapping to geological analysis beneath the seabed. They will also help researchers monitor ocean processes and environmental change. Collecting multiple datasets at the same time will improve efficiency, reduce costs and support more sustainable operations.”

The vessel can accommodate up to 30 scientists. It can operate from tropical waters to the edge of Arctic ice.

The ship also features underwater robotics and real-time data connections. KONGSBERG said its navigation systems will ensure accurate and reliable data collection, even in challenging conditions.

“The arrival of RV Anna Weber-van Bosse could not be more timely,” said Gert-Jan Reichart, Head of Ocean Research at NIOZ. “Our oceans are changing rapidly. We need better tools to understand those changes. This vessel gives us that capability.”

“With Kongsberg Discovery’s solutions, we are confident we have the scientific and operational tools needed for the years ahead,” he added.

The vessel is named after Dutch marine biologist Anna Weber-van Bosse (1852-1942). NIOZ is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.