Coastguard vessels ordered with boosted acoustic sonar

The three 136-m ships will have Kongsberg Maritime SS1221 sonar equipment to detect small objects and operate effectively in shallow water environments.

Replacing three Norwegian Coastguard’s Nordkapp-class vessels, they will be used for multiple safeguarding operations in Norwegian territorial waters and are scheduled to be launched between 2022 and 2024.

Kongsberg’s SS1221 sonar will have boosted acoustic properties for anti-submarine operations and detecting small objects in the water column. SS1221 is an active hull-mounted sonar that uses sophisticated tracking algorithms, said Kongsberg. Its electronically stabilised transmitting and receiving beams can be tilted to adjust to challenging sound speed profiles.

“Its integrated sound propagation model determines the optimal tilt settings and enhances the probability of detection ratio,” Kongsberg added.

SS1221 sonars will be delivered to Norwegian Coastguard complete with retractable hull units and gate valves for ice protection, ensuring safe and efficient operation.