Hydrographic Applications of SWATH ships and SWATH Survey Systems

Collection of hydrographic data is slow and expensive, while the demand for new data is increasing, and funds are limited. One problem is the hydrographic survey launch used today with its limited sea keeping ability, slow speed, and restricted instrumentation. Technology exists that can remove these limitations and increase data collection rates. The Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) designed ship, is turning in an impressive performance in higher sea states compared to the same size monohull. At 15 knots the SWATH is remaining online when the monohull cannot. In another SWATH system, the Hydro Chart multibeam echo sounder collects hydrographic data across a wide swath of the ocean floor, as compared to the more traditional and slower single, narrow beam echo sounder. By some estimates the improvement in data collection rates is on the order of 18 to 1. The combination of the SWATH hydrographic survey launch, and the Hydro Chart echo sounder can provide the answer to getting quality hydrographic data faster and cheaper.