New Zealand: WASSP Introduces New Multibeam Sonar Product

WASSP Ltd has announced the release of their new multibeam sonar product, WASSP S (Survey).

WASSP S has been developed to bring the benefits of multibeam sonar to the survey, dredging and scientific research markets. In a versatile and cost-effective package, WASSP S provides accurate and reliable real-time seafloor and water column information in an intuitive user interface.

“WASSP S is ideally suited to dredgers and hydro graphic surveyors who currently use single beam sonar’s but don’t have enough projects to warrant the use of a more costly multibeam system. WASSP S has been designed to be cost effective and yet provide the performance they would expect from a high level multibeam sonar,” says WASSP Ltd CEO, Gareth Hodson.

“The more affordable WASSP S solution, provides operators the ability to carry out their own surveys without the more expensive cost of out sourcing to a third party survey firm to undertake the project, whilst still obtaining the accurate and reliable information needed.”

WASSP S also allows non-surveyors to self generate valuable information, and the system’s practical design and intuitive ease of use, requires minimal installation or operational training.

The practical operation of WASSP S means it can be used in situations where a survey vessel would ordinarily be called in to undertake the project. In the case of users such as wind farm operators, or port authorities, they can have WASSP S permanently fitted to their workboat, and be able to perform the work on site when required, saving time and money.

Compatible with Hypack & QINSY software, WASSP S is IHO Order 1A Compliant, attaining the system third-party validation of depth accuracy and target detection.

Those users not utilising Hypack or QINSY can instead utilise WASSP’s own optional software program called Navigator. In addition to various other functions, Navigator is ideal for tracking the movement of sediment plumes from a dredge or monitoring schools of fish, both of which can be viewed in 3D from any angle throughout the survey area.

Its low weight, volume and power requirements make it an ideal system for small boat operators. The 327mm L X 164mm W X 94mm H transducer is easily adaptable to suit over the side pole mounting.

WASSP Ltd recently provided a system to assist in the salvage effort of the MV Rena – a container ship that ran aground on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. A WASSP multibeam sonar was successfully employed to identify submerged containers – some at depths of up to 80m.

“WASSP S is an extremely useful and cost-effective system, which captures critical information about the water column, seafloor and marine environment. It’s the essential multibeam sonar for marine professionals.”

Quickly recognising the appeal of a multibeam system, the first set of WASSP-S systems has recently been sold into Russia.

WASSP Ltd will be displaying the new WASSP S at Hydro 12, November 13-15 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

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Source: WASSP, August 7, 2012