Klein Marine Systems
"The difference is in the image"
Newburyport, Massachusetts sonar maker founded in 1969, now part of General Oceans ASA, supplying sonar for an Indian Navy mine-countermeasure alliance.
Klein Marine Systems is a Newburyport, Massachusetts-based manufacturer of side-scan sonar systems and unmanned underwater vehicles, founded in 1969 and marketed by the company as "the world's leading supplier of side scan sonar systems." Its product line centers on high-resolution acoustic imaging technology used for seafloor mapping, wreck and object search-and-recovery, and maritime security and mine-hunting applications. Its flagship towed system, the System 5900, is described as an ultra-high-resolution side-scan sonar; the company also produces the UUV System 3500, a dual-frequency side-scan sonar payload designed for integration onto autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles built by other manufacturers. Klein's own unmanned platform, the MANTIS UUV, combines the company's SmartArray sonar technology with an autonomous underwater vehicle body, positioning Klein as both a sonar component supplier to other UUV/ROV manufacturers and a system integrator of its own complete unmanned underwater vehicle.
Klein's sonar systems are used across hydrographic survey, offshore site investigation, harbor and port security, and naval mine countermeasure (MCM) missions. As of mid-2026, the company is a named partner in a mine-countermeasure technology alliance led by Spry Technocon for the Indian Navy, reflecting its continued role supplying sensing technology into defense-oriented unmanned maritime systems programs internationally, alongside its long-standing commercial hydrographic survey customer base.
The company achieved ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification, confirmed as of July 2026. Klein Marine Systems operates as part of General Oceans, a marine technology group whose parent entity, General Oceans ASA, listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange on March 26, 2026, a corporate milestone that brought public-market visibility to Klein's ownership structure after decades of operating as a privately held specialist sonar brand. Klein's tagline, "The difference is in the image," reflects the company's positioning around image resolution and clarity as its core competitive differentiator against rival side-scan sonar manufacturers.
Klein's headquarters and primary commercial office is located at 65 Parker Street, Suite 5, Newburyport, Massachusetts, and the company can be reached through dedicated sales and technical support phone lines and email addresses, plus a self-service customer support portal. The company does not publicly disclose employee headcount or detailed financial information. Its core business today spans manufacturing complete sonar and UUV hardware, supplying sonar payload components for integration into other manufacturers' unmanned underwater vehicles, and providing customer training and technical support services to hydrographic survey, defense, and offshore energy customers operating its equipment worldwide.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
UUV System 3500
Low-power dual-frequency (455/900 kHz) side scan sonar with onboard bathymetry processing for integration into AUVs and UUVs.
System 5900
Ultra-high-resolution side scan sonar with integrated gap-filler sonar and co-registered bathymetry for MCM and surveillance missions.
MANTIS UUV
Unmanned underwater vehicle with integrated SmartArray sonar technology delivering consistent high-resolution seafloor imaging at mission speed.
Contact Klein Marine Systems
WEBSITE
https://www.klein.comPHONE
+1-603-893-6131HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
1969
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
Subsidiary / Acquired
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
Keywords
- Klein Marine Systems
- side scan sonar
- unmanned underwater vehicle
- seafloor mapping
- mine countermeasure
- hydrographic survey
- MANTIS UUV
- SmartArray sonar
- subsea imaging
- auv
- subsea
- Manufacturer
- Component Supplier
- System Integrator
- Service Company
- Unmanned Marine Vehicle
- Perception & Vision
- Defense & Security
- Oil
- Gas & Energy
Spry Technocon and Partners Form Alliance for Unmanned Mine Countermeasure Solutions for Indian Navy
Spry Technocon Private Limited has formed a strategic partnership with Teledyne Marine, Klein Marine Systems, and VideoRay to develop advanced Unmanned Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Systems for the Indian Navy. This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge underwater sensing and imaging technologies alongside indigenous engineering capabilities to create a comprehensive MCM Suite. The partnership is significant as it aligns with India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, promoting self-reliance in defense technologies. By integrating advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, high-resolution sonar systems, and remotely operated vehicles, the alliance seeks to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities in mine warfare. Looking ahead, the focus will be on establishing a sustainable ecosystem for next-generation mine warfare technologies in India. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Klein Marine Systems Introduces MANTIS UUV with SmartArray Technology™ for Autonomous Underwater Missions
Klein Marine Systems, recognized as a global leader in advanced side scan sonar and underwater imaging technology, has unveiled its latest innovation, the MANTIS UUV. This integrated multi-channel side scan sonar system is specifically designed to enhance unmanned underwater vehicles by providing high-quality imaging and onboard processing capabilities. The announcement was made today, highlighting the company’s commitment to improving underwater exploration and data collection. The MANTIS UUV aims to streamline integration processes, making it a valuable tool for various applications in marine research and industry.
klein marine systems mantis uuv smartarray technology™ uuv auv
General Oceans Expands Global Reach with Asia Office
General Oceans, the parent company of several underwater technology brands such as Nortek, Tritech International Ltd, and Klein Marine Systems, has announced the opening of a new sales office in Singapore. This strategic move, which took place recently, aims to enhance the company's global presence and better serve its clients in the Asia-Pacific region. By establishing a foothold in Singapore, General Oceans seeks to tap into the growing demand for underwater technology solutions and strengthen its market position. The new office is expected to facilitate improved customer engagement and support, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and service excellence in the underwater technology sector.
general oceans expansion global reach asia office
Klein Marine Systems Awarded $1.5M NAVOCEANO Contract
Klein Marine Systems, recognized for its advanced sonar technology, has secured a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO). This contract, valued at up to $1.5 million, focuses on providing support and maintenance for the Klein System 5900 side scan sonars used by the Navy. The firm-fixed price agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the sonar fleet, ensuring reliability and efficiency in naval operations.
klein marine systems contract award navoceano
Klein Marine Systems Signs Development Agreement With SAAB to Provide Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) Technology
Klein Marine Systems, a prominent player in sonar technology, has secured a contract to supply Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) hardware to Saab Kockums AB, based in Linköping, Sweden. This partnership underscores Klein's commitment to advancing maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The agreement highlights the growing demand for sophisticated sonar systems in defense applications, as both companies aim to enhance underwater operational efficiency. The collaboration is expected to leverage Klein's cutting-edge technology to support Saab's ongoing projects, reflecting a strategic alignment in the defense sector.
klein marine systems development agreement saab synthetic aperture sonar (sas) technology
Klein Marine Systems Selects Exail Navigation Technology to Equip their 5900 Sonar
Klein Marine Systems, a prominent player in sonar technology, has announced the integration of the Exail Octans Nano OEM Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) as the standard navigation solution for its 5900 Side Scan Sonar (SSS). This strategic collaboration, revealed recently, is designed to improve the precision and reliability of the sonar system, which is essential for high-resolution seabed mapping. The enhanced capabilities will support various applications across defense, security, and commercial sectors, reflecting the growing demand for advanced maritime technology.
klein marine systems exail navigation technology 5900 sonar
Klein Marine Systems Secures Order for 20 High-Resolution Side Scan Sonars for NemoSens® Micro AUV
Klein Marine Systems, a leading company in advanced sonar technology, has announced the acquisition of 20 high-resolution 900kHz side scan sonar systems from the French firm RTsys. This purchase, revealed today, is intended for integration into Klein's innovative micro autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform, NEMOSENS. The move is seen as a pivotal step in advancing underwater exploration and mapping capabilities, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing technological solutions in marine environments.
klein marine systems order high-resolution side scan sonars nemosens® micro auv
Klein Marine Systems Dedicates Their Sonar Innovation Lab
Klein Marine Systems, a prominent player in sonar technology, has officially dedicated the “Klein Sonar Innovation Lab” at the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). This event marks a significant step forward in the partnership between Klein Marine Systems and UNH, aimed at fostering advancements in sonar technologies and marine exploration. The collaboration underscores both organizations' commitment to innovation in the field, enhancing research and development efforts that could shape the future of marine technology.
klein marine systems sonar innovation lab john olson advanced manufacturing center university of new hampshire (unh)
Klein Marine System’s 5900 High-Speed Side-Scan Sonar To KIOST For Seafloor Topography Surveys
Klein Marine Systems has successfully delivered its 5900 ultra-high-resolution sonar to the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) as part of KIOST's initiative to enhance marine science and technology. The advanced sonar system will be utilized for seafloor topography surveys, aiding in the institute's research efforts. Acceptance trials for the sonar were conducted off the coast of Busan, South Korea, marking a significant step in KIOST's ongoing quest to improve marine exploration capabilities.
klein marine system’s 5900 high-speed side-scan sonar kiost seafloor topography surveys
