Australian Navy to Upgrade Paluma Class Vessels with FarSounder Sonars

FarSounder, Inc. has been awarded a contract to provide four complete FarSounder-1000 systems plus spare parts for the upgrade of four Paluma class hydrographic Survey Motor Launches operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Seismic Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd. of Salisbury, Australia will be responsible for the purchase of the equipment and assist with the systems integration. Seismic Asia Pacific is the FarSounder dealer for this project with BAE Systems as the prime contractor.

The 360 tonne Survey Motor Launches, HMA Ships Paluma (IV), Mermaid, Shepparton (II) and Benalla (II), were designed for operations in the shallow waters of northern Australia. Each Survey Motor Launch carries the latest in survey and computerized hydrographic data processing equipment and is fitted with the latest navigation aids. Their twin hulls provide good stability in heavy conditions, along with good living room and space below the main deck.

“The FarSounder team is proud to be a part of this upgrade program for the RAN fleet,” Matthew Zimmerman, Vice President of Engineering at FarSounder, stated. “We appreciate our inclusion and that our products are recognized for the benefit they bring to this class of vessels.”

Seismic Asia Pacific is a leading provider of Hydrographic, Oceanographic and Geophysical systems within Australia and throughout South East Asia and the Pacific Rim. “Including FarSounder's advanced sonar systems in SAP's portfolio of maritime equipment offers our customers the latest in innovative technologies,” said Paul Duncan, Managing Director of Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd Australia.