Simrad has seen a rapid increase in its sales of Sonar over the past year. In Norway alone deliveries are up by 50% with substantial increases recorded in other parts of the world since the introduction of the new SP60.
In Spain, Simrad has provided Sonars and other electronics for the Institute of Oceanographic Research ship Vizconde de Eza. One of the largest purse seiner/trawlers in Chile, the new 70m Gjogur has been fitted with a Simrad FS900 trawl sonar and in Holland a similar system has been fitted to the world's biggest freezer, stern trawler the 142m Willem van der Zwan .
Such has been the success of the Simrad range of sonars that vessels have been removing existing equipment for a retrofit replacement. The 90-foot coastal trawler/seiner Sjarmoer in Norway, which fishes for cod and herring, has recently fitted Simrad's SP60 and was amazed at its sensitivity. Skipper Harald Kolbeinshavn commented, "I have never seen a sonar like this, I can even see cod. The stabiliser is worth a sonar on its own". Since the success of the Sjarmoer, Simrad has sold another 9 SP60 Sonars to Norwegian vessels.
Simrad has provided advanced sonar for commercial fishing since 1953, it originally developed sonar technology for use in anti- submarine warfare and mine detection, providing an exceptionally high definition underwater radar. The same technology was modified for use on fishing vessels to detect schools of fish, it is so sensitive that it can even calculate size and tonnage of a potential catch. More recently the large ocean going luxury Mega yachts have also recognised Simrad Sonar as a positive benefit to their safety at sea. Several of these fast luxury cruisers have fitted the equipment to give them the ability to see in front and all round the vessel operating with great precision at speeds of up to 25 knots. The sonar screen located on the bridge can display both vertical and horizontal views simultaneously providing a huge benefit in navigational safety when in unknown waters or areas of known hazards. Simrad Sonar has one of the finest pedigrees in the market and continues to help the world's fishing fleets with more accurate detection and efficient and profitable fishing.
