Passive acoustic technology can help oil, gas, and naval sectors to detect operational anomalies
Kongsberg Discovery is helping the oil, gas, and naval sectors to detect operational anomalies through a targeted global roll-out of passive acoustics technology
The release comes with the integration of Bergen, Norway's Naxys Technologies, into the company, following its acquisition in January 2025.
Subsea awareness
Kongsberg Discovery, a manufacturer of ocean sensors and robotics, and Naxys, an innovator in passive acoustics, serve Norway's energy sector.
Its passive hydrophone technology provides continuous acoustic monitoring, detecting changes in flow conditions, structural integrity, potential leaks, and other anomalous subsea noises and vibrations.
Less downtime, more efficiency
Martin Wien Fjell, president of Kongsberg Discovery, said: “Since its formation in 1999, Naxys has refined robust, high-performance technology that gives customers ‘ears in the ocean’, helping them identify and address issues with speed, safety and precision. This has been a real success in Norway, enabling customers to minimise the impact of offshore structures on surrounding ecosystems, while supporting efficient production, reducing downtime and optimising costs."
“These are benefits that, with this full integration, Kongsberg Discovery can now bring to the global marketplace. In today’s highly regulated operating arenas, where responsible environmental monitoring is essential, this passive technology is a game-changer. It can detect leaks far ahead of conventional systems, save millions of dollars in unplanned downtime, deliver precise critical infrastructure inspections, and help protect fragile ocean ecosystems by monitoring radiated noise from human activity and detecting nearby marine mammals. Together with our existing solutions, we now believe we can offer the market a uniquely comprehensive level of subsea awareness.”
A range of applications
Passive acoustic solutions can be flexible; for example, the sensors can be installed on subsea structures as permanent leak detection systems, or on subsea pumps and compression systems, continuously analysing performance to inform maintenance and operational devices.
Utilised as scalable array configurations on ROVs or other mobile assets, the solutions can either monitor and inspect installations or be used to monitor targets, observe, and protect infrastructure. Naxys technology is also able to monitor and manage its own operational noise footprint as noise reduction gains more emphasis in the ocean environment.
Fjell said: “The variety of applications speaks volumes of the market potential here, with a real opportunity to deliver added value for customers in the Oceanographic and Marine sectors, in addition to the Energy industry."
“It’s not just the environments that our customers operate in that creates challenges, but also the evolving legislations and increasingly dynamic risk picture. This technology is tailored to meet those needs, helping users stay ahead and in control as they work to enhance safety, sustainability and standards in our oceans.”
