Norway-based technology specialist Kongsberg has entered a deal with German shipbuilding company Fassmer to supply its integrated concept for the new Atair II research vessel.

Atair II is set to be owned by Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), and will be the world’s first government-owned LNG-powered research ship.

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Kongsberg and its sub-suppliers will provide all electrical systems, telecom systems, propulsion motor, cables and installation for the vessel as part of the new arrangement.

The company's integrated research vessel concept is designed to unite operational hydrographic and energy functions onboard, facilitating the seamless transfer of information. It also improves vessel efficiency and offers long-term life cycle benefits.

The Kongsberg concept features high-level acoustic data acquisition dynamic positioning, propulsion control, navigation and vessel automation, providing a fully integrated operation environment.

Kongsberg maritime global sales and marketing vice-president Brynjulv Standal said: “Kongsberg Integrated Vessel Concepts are a brand-new approach to vessel design and building that leverage the power of integration between disparate systems to produce gains in operational efficiency and reduced life-cycle costs across the board.

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"With concepts designed for specific ship types, our Integrated Vessel Concepts portfolio represents the cutting-edge of marine technology and engineering."

“With concepts designed for specific ship types, our Integrated Vessel Concepts portfolio represents the cutting-edge of marine technology and engineering.”

Atiar II will be built by Fassmer Werft in Berne, Germany, and is expected to be delivered by 2020.  

The vessel is intended for deployment in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to aid the conduction of hydrographic surveys, as well as search and rescue operations

It will also carry out marine environmental monitoring, in addition to the technical testing of navigation and radar equipment.

Image: Rendering of Atair II research vessel. Photo: courtesy of Kongsberg Gruppen.

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