Euronaval: Thales launches maritime security solution
Thales has developed a new waterway protection system called SeeMapper. The company introduced the system, designed protect waterways such as shipping lanes and port access channels against maritime threats, at Euronaval on 27 October.
Thales has developed SeeMapper – a self-contained solution that provides continuous, high-resolution mapping of the sea-bed – in response to rising demand from defence forces, maritime security agencies and private operators for systems capable of tackling maritime threats such as sea mines and acts of piracy.
The system provides mapping via a towed synthetic aperture sonar (T-SAS) deployed by a service vessel, to assist maritime authorities in the detection, classification and location of objects below the surface in areas such as shipping lanes, straits, maritime approaches, port access channels, and naval bases. It enables them to conduct regular surveillance in their areas of responsibility at all times.
SeeMapper comprises a vessel deploying a real-time imagery chain to maintain continuous surveillance of the underwater environment, with a T-SAS performing high-quality mapping of the sea-bed. The vessel is also equipped with a fully automatic system to launch and recover the towed sonar. A command-and-control system is used for mission planning and management and to automatically analyse the data gathered.
Privately operated underwater installations such as offshore platforms, oil & gas installations, wind farms, and marine turbines can also deploy the system to monitor underwater installations to check that systems are operating correctly and to carry out maintenance.
The system has been qualified for operation in rough sea states, and requires only minimal training and no specialised skills for launching and recovering the towed sonar array.
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.