The Geological Survey of Norway will install a new high resolution multibeam echo sounder on their research vessel R/V ‘Seisma’. The data from the echo sounder will be exchanged with the Norwegian Hydrographic Service and has to meet NHS demands to such instruments. The echo sounder must have a depth range up to 600 m and be suited for surveys meeting the IHO-S44 special order (IHO Standards for Hydrographic Surveys, Special Publication No. 44). It is an advantage if the echo sounder has an active stabilization of the beams for ship pitching and yawing.

NGUs production line for data collection is tied up to the OLEX chart plotter. Data formats that permits true time visualization of swath bathymetry on the plotter will be an advantage.

The post processing software package CARIS should be included in the bid.

Warranty time and free upgrading of software are also important for the decision which echo sounder is chosen.