KONGSBERG deploys new seabed mapping system on Nautilus expedition
(WO) — KONGSBERG and the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) have launched a deepwater mapping expedition in the Central Pacific aimed at expanding understanding of previously unexplored seafloor while testing next-generation seabed mapping technology.
The Pacific Mapping expedition, running June 10-24 aboard OET's Exploration Vessel Nautilus, marks the first deployment of KONGSBERG's EM 304 MKII multibeam echo sounder. The mission will survey large areas of the Pacific Ocean while providing real-world operating conditions for evaluating and refining the new mapping system.
Designed for full-ocean-depth operations, the EM 304 MKII combines wide-area coverage with high-resolution imaging, allowing survey teams to map larger sections of the seafloor more efficiently while maintaining data quality.
According to OET, the system is expected to improve mapping capabilities across complex geological features, including canyons, seamounts, ridges, trenches, spreading centers and subsea volcanoes.
“The EM 304 MKII is optimized for features of interest we tend to explore,” said Derek Sowers, mapping manager at Ocean Exploration Trust. “It allows us to map and reveal these amazing features in greater detail and sets us up for success for further exploration using our ROVs and other assets.”
KONGSBERG engineers will participate throughout the expedition, using data collected during the survey to evaluate system performance and support future hardware and software enhancements.
“We can simulate many configurations in the lab and on our test vessels, but not the realities of deep-water surveying,” said Colleen Peters, product manager for mapping software at KONGSBERG. “That is why it is essential to test in the same conditions our customers work in, so we can confirm new features perform as intended.”
The deployment is part of a broader vessel upgrade supported by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research.
While primarily focused on scientific exploration, high-resolution seabed mapping technologies also play an important role in offshore energy development, supporting site characterization, subsea infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring and marine surveying activities.
KONGSBERG said lessons learned during the expedition will contribute to future improvements in deepwater mapping capabilities as demand for detailed seabed data continues to grow across offshore industries.
