New Synthetic Aperture Sonar Service for Offshore Energy by Kraken Robotics

Kraken Robotics is set to introduce a new synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) service tailored to the global offshore energy sector.

Starting in July 2025, Kraken’s commercial services team will offer KATFISH towed SAS systems for rental. The KATFISH towed SAS system, which was first launched seven years ago, has since been deployed worldwide for a variety of applications, including mine countermeasure operations, critical underwater infrastructure inspections, and harbor surveys.

This advanced system delivers real-time resolution of 3cm x 3cm with a range of up to 200 meters per side, achieving some of the highest area coverage rates in the industry. The precision of Kraken’s SAS technology significantly reduces project risks by allowing the differentiation of manmade and natural contacts, as well as identifying small objects near or on infrastructure.

Lynne Adu, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Kraken, said, “While the KATFISH has been used successfully as a service in the defense market for many years, we are pleased to have multiple assets we can introduce to the commercial market. SAS offers a significant increase in resolution and range compared to sidescan sonar, and there is already significant interest for applications like pre- and post- offshore construction survey and underwater infrastructure inspection.”

Chris Almond, Vice President of Business Development for Kraken’s services, added, “Over the next 20 years, we are expected to see a five times increase in demand for commercial survey services in the offshore wind industry. At the same time, we are being challenged to decrease our carbon footprint. The KATFISH system can survey larger areas faster than current solutions, decreasing the amount of vessel time needed and therefore reducing carbon production with the added benefit of decreased survey costs.”

Kraken’s SAS service has been selected by Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s premier technology innovation and research center for offshore renewable energy, as part of its Launch Academy. This partnership will grant Kraken access to state-of-the-art testing and research programs, enabling collaboration with industry leaders, academia, and government entities to enhance SAS survey services for the offshore wind sector.

Following its recent acquisition of 3D at Depth, Kraken Robotics now operates a global offshore services business, with bases in both the UK and the US. Kraken’s SAS services will be provided from its Aberdeen office, where it also offers sub-seabed imaging solutions through its Sub-Bottom Imager™ and Acoustic Corer™ technologies.