Kraken Robotics Inc. has appointed BlueZone Group as an authorized reseller of Kraken Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) and the KATFISH towed SAS platform in Australia and New Zealand.
The collaboration provides Kraken’s SAS and KATFISH towed systems to defense and commercial customers throughout the region.
Kraken SAS provides imaging and bathymetric mapping simultaneously, delivering up to 2 cm x 2 cm resolution at ranges up to 200 meters per side. It can be integrated on a variety of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) platforms, from man-portable systems to extra-large UUVs.
Kraken’s KATFISH integrates Kraken SAS on an actively stabilized intelligent towfish system, allowing operation at speeds up to 10 knots for rapid, high-resolution data collection.
Kraken’s ISO20 and USV autonomous Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) enable flexible deployment solutions compatible with a wide range of platforms, from Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs) and vessels of opportunity to Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) 11 meters and above.
The company partnered with BlueZone Group this year to support the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) KATFISH and ISO20 LARS systems aboard HMAS Leeuwin. Now fully operational under the RAN Hydrographic Service, the companies have completed the first depot-level maintenance of the KATFISH towed SAS system in less than a month, highlighting the benefits of their in-country support collaboration.
Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics, commented, “Kraken’s technologies are deployed globally in support of critical naval operations, making strong local partnerships essential to our success. Our collaboration with BlueZone Group enhances regional support across Australia and New Zealand, enabling increased access to our advanced SAS systems for mine countermeasure operations, critical underwater infrastructure inspection, and other survey needs.”
Andrew Hazell, General Manager Defence at BlueZone Group, added, “This agreement represents an important milestone in our role as a trusted partner supporting advanced maritime technologies. By becoming Kraken’s authorized reseller, BlueZone Group reinforces its commitment to delivering sovereign capability in the operation and support of hydrographic and oceanographic equipment. This ensures the Australian Defence Force maintains the tools it needs to safeguard our maritime interests and protect critical shipping lanes.”
