Simrad supplies electronic equipment for Libas

As a sophisticated dual-use purse seiner/trawler, Libas boasts many revolutionary features and the Simrad equipment onboard reflects the high-tech nature of the vessel. Two sonars, a scientific echo sounder with eight different echo sounder frequencies from 18kHz to 400kHz and a FS20/25 trawl sonar lead the hydro acoustic package and enable Libas to make full scale scientific research trips for the various Norwegian Marine Institutes.

In addition, Libas is the first vessel to utilise Simrad’s new and unique 38/200kHz wide beam transducer. The unique 200kHz 30º x 30º transducer, which is dubbed the ‘Combi Wide’ ensures high resolution and wide coverage during close to the surface fishing or shallow water fishing. No other company can provide this type of transducer, as it has been manufactured using unique to Simrad composite technology.

The search Sonar is an SP70 mounted in the bow, with several sophisticated features designed to maximize performance, including: Electronic Omni directional beam stabilization: User selectable Multi Frequency 20-30kHz: 90° tilt with all 90° and 180° vertical modes: GPS fish tagging software for use with Star-Oddi fish tags: Scientific output for logging data for fishery science purposes.

The catch Sonar is a SH80 mounted in the drop keel and features: Electronic Omni directional beam stabilisation: User selectable Multi Frequency 110-122kHz: Scientific output for logging data. This superb ‘catching machine’ is ideal for scattered fish or weak echo targets like mackerel and tuna. The SH80 features identical operation to the SP70,which makes using the Simrad Sonars on Libas a simple task.

An EK60 scientific echo sounder is also fitted in the drop keel with ER60 and BI60 post processing software, operating at 18 kHz, 38kHz, 70kHz, 120kHz, 200kHz (all split beam).

In addition, the drop keel has been made ready for a 400kHz transducer. The sounder can operate eight frequencies simultaneously for comparison of fish reflectivity in the frequency range 18 to 200kHz.

The EK60 is Simrad’s latest generation of scientific echo sounder and features PC based operation, which allows for easy software upgrades in the future.

Unique features of the EK60 include simple built in calibration, multi-frequency combination echograms and personal user configuration.

Trawl monitoring on the Libas is taken care of with a Simrad FS20/25 vertical and forward looking trawl sonar, which is known for its durability and high-performance throughout the North Sea fleets.

The FS20/25 Series trawl sonar is suitable for every type of pelagic fishery, making it ideal for the multi-purpose Libas.

The navigation package consists of two Simrad autopilots; an AP9MKII as the main pilot and an AP50 as a back up.

The new GC80 gyro compass from Simrad and an HS50 GPS heading sensor as back up provide the heading data for the pilots. Simrad has also installed an AI70 AIS unit and an IMO approved GN33 delivers position data to all the units installed.