Product Highlight: Norbit WBMS and IWBMS Sonar from Unique Group

Subsea technology has transformed the way we explore and understand the world's oceans, unlocking access to environments that were once beyond reach. Today, where accurate underwater data is crucial for everything from marine conservation to large-scale offshore projects, Norbit has consistently led the charge with innovative solutions. The company's WBMS (Wideband Multibeam Sonar) and IWBMS (Integrated Wideband Multibeam Sonar) series are at the forefront of this revolution, addressing the growing need for precise, efficient, and versatile sonar systems. These tools have become indispensable for overcoming the complexities of underwater exploration, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability across a wide range of marine applications.

Key Features and Benefits

The WBMS sonar’s compact design and low power consumption offer significant advantages in various challenging environments. For example, when deployed on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), its lightweight structure and efficient power usage allow for extended missions in remote or deep-sea locations where recharging or resupplying is not feasible. This makes it a prime solution for deep-water research, environmental monitoring, or underwater exploration where long-range coverage and endurance are critical. The high-resolution data acquisition ensures detailed seabed mapping, even in areas with complex geological features, making it ideal for hydrographic surveys and environmental studies that require precision and reliability over long durations.

The IWBMS sonar’s integrated GNSS/INS system offers another distinct benefit, particularly in situations requiring precise navigation and positioning. This is especially crucial in environments with limited GPS coverage, such as dense offshore construction zones or coastal areas obstructed by natural or man-made barriers. The GNSS/INS integration ensures consistent, accurate positioning, making it invaluable for high-precision tasks like laying pipelines or cables, where any deviation could result in costly errors. Moreover, its wide swath coverage enables rapid data collection across large areas, dramatically increasing the efficiency of hydrographic surveys or environmental assessments where time and accuracy are paramount.

In search and rescue operations, the WBMS and IWBMS sonars shine by providing fast, reliable identification of underwater objects. The WBMS’s portability allows rapid deployment from small vessels, while the IWBMS ensures pinpoint accuracy in locating submerged wreckage or missing persons, even in complex underwater terrain. Combining wide coverage, precise positioning, and high-resolution imaging in these critical scenarios can significantly reduce response times and increase the likelihood of successful recoveries.

Applications

Norbit’s WBMS and IWBMS sonars have proven invaluable across numerous industries. In hydrographic surveys, they are essential for creating accurate nautical charts that ensure safe navigation. In offshore construction, they assist with the planning and executing of pipeline, cable, and structure installations. These systems also play a crucial role in search and rescue operations by locating underwater objects, such as sunken vessels or missing persons. Additionally, they support environmental monitoring efforts by studying seabed habitats and identifying marine ecosystems, allowing for assessing ecological changes over time.

Environmental Benefits

Norbit’s sonar technology is a powerful tool for industrial and scientific applications and contributes significantly to environmental conservation and sustainable marine practices. The high-resolution mapping capabilities of the WBMS and IWBMS systems are critical for monitoring marine ecosystems and assessing the health of underwater habitats. These systems enable researchers to identify areas of ecological importance, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other sensitive marine habitats, ensuring they are effectively monitored and protected from human impact.

Norbit’s sonars also assist in tracking changes to the seabed over time, including sediment displacement, erosion, and the effects of human activities like dredging and offshore construction. Such data is vital for sustainable marine planning, allowing stakeholders to implement practices that reduce ecological damage. Furthermore, the technology supports efforts to detect and manage the impacts of climate change on marine environments, helping scientists understand the effects of rising sea levels and ocean temperatures on underwater ecosystems. In this way, Norbit’s sonar systems support marine conservation initiatives and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Availability from Unique Group

To meet the diverse needs of our clients, Unique Group offers rental and sale options for Norbit's WBMS and IWBMS sonars. Our experienced team can provide personalized recommendations based on your project requirements, ensuring you can access the right equipment at the right time. Renting from Unique Group provides flexibility, allowing clients to access equipment for short-term projects or test performance before committing to a purchase. It also presents a cost-effective solution, spreading expenses over time while ensuring access to the latest technology. For long-term investment clients, purchasing the equipment guarantees full ownership and control. Unique Group also offers customization options, enabling clients to tailor the system to their needs and comprehensive technical support and after-sales service.

Case Study: Unique Group Supports Underwater Rock Art Discovery in Australia

A notable example of Norbit's sonar technology in action is a project led by the University of Western Australia (UWA) to discover submerged indigenous rock art in Murujuga, Australia. Unique Group played a pivotal role by providing a Norbit multibeam echo sounder, allowing the team to map the seabed at high spatial resolution and identify critical locations for further investigation. The survey revealed complex geological terrain that held the potential for discovering engraved rock art. Subsequent observations by ROVs and divers confirmed the presence of Aboriginal stone artifacts, offering tangible evidence of historical occupation in a now-submerged landscape. This case underscores Norbit's sonar technology's efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, which enabled the UWA team to achieve significant breakthroughs in their exploration of underwater heritage.

Please message me to talk to our technical team or email [email protected]. To learn more, visit https://www.uniquegroup.com/?s=Norbit&post_type=product.

Finally, with Unique Group as your trusted partner, you can be confident that you have the right sonar technology and expert support to achieve your underwater exploration goals. Whether renting for short-term needs or investing in long-term solutions, Unique Group ensures clients have the right project tools.

#subseatechnology #sonar #underwater #marine #exploration #hydrography #offshore #construction #searchandrescue #environmentalmonitoring #norbit #wbms #iwbms #uniquegroup #rental #sale #technology #innovation #marinelife #oceanography #sustainability #climatechange #oceanography #marinebiology