Sonardyne
"We are here to make underwater work for you"
British subsea technology pioneer, now part of Kraken Robotics, supplying underwater positioning, navigation and communication systems since 1971.
Sonardyne is a British underwater-technology company founded in 1971 by John Partridge, whose company name combines sonar and dyne, a unit of force. Headquartered at Blackbushe Business Park in Yateley, Hampshire, England - a purpose-built facility the company calls Ocean House, opened in 1996 - Sonardyne designs and manufactures precision instruments and delivers custom engineering services for tracking, monitoring, imaging, surveying and navigating in subsea environments. The company has more than 50 years of operating history and states it has been carbon neutral since 2023. As of 2026, Sonardyne operates as part of Kraken Robotics following an acquisition that combined the two companies' subsea technology portfolios.
Sonardyne's product families include the SPRINT-Nav range of subsea navigation systems, which combine inertial and Doppler sensing for underwater vehicle guidance; the Ranger 2 family of ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning systems; the RT 6 family of acoustic release transponders used in subsea moorings; the Origin family of acoustic Doppler current profilers for ocean monitoring; and the BlueComm 200 UV underwater optical communication system. The company also provides equipment hire, custom engineering and training services to support subsea operations.
Target sectors include oil and gas, offshore renewable energy, ocean science and research, defence and maritime security, and carbon capture and storage, reflecting Sonardyne's role as an instrumentation and positioning supplier across both commercial offshore energy and scientific and defence subsea markets. In July 2026 the company took part in the Smart Sound Connect demonstration event, showcasing marine autonomy and underwater positioning capabilities alongside other participants in real-world sea trials.
Sonardyne maintains an active public presence across LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube under its own brand, and continues to operate its original support and eShop channels for existing customers even as it integrates with Kraken Robotics' broader marine technology group. Specific current headcount and direct phone/email contact details were not published on the company's own site as of this record.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
SPRINT-Nav
All-in-one hybrid inertial, DVL and pressure sensor navigator for AUVs/ROVs, accurate to 0.01% of distance travelled, no calibration required.
Ranger 2 USBL
6G USBL underwater acoustic positioning system tracking up to 99 targets simultaneously at depths to 11,000 meters.
BlueComm 200 UV
Underwater optical communication modem using 405nm UV LEDs, transferring 2.5-10 Mbps over 75 m at depths to 4,000 m.
Contact Sonardyne
WEBSITE
https://www.sonardyne.com/HEADQUARTERS
United Kingdom
Company Facts
Founded
1971
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Keywords
- Sonardyne
- underwater positioning
- USBL
- subsea navigation
- acoustic communications
- ROV support
- ocean science instrumentation
- offshore energy
- subsea
- marine autonomy
- Manufacturer
- System Integrator
- Service Company
- Navigation & Positioning
- Connectivity
- Oil
- Gas & Energy
- Defense & Security
- Education & Research
Sonardyne Supports BAS in GIANT Climate Mission with Advanced Positioning Technology
Sonardyne is providing underwater positioning technology for the GIANT climate science mission, which aims to gather data on Greenland's glaciers. The mission will utilize a fleet of autonomous vehicles, including the RRS Sir David Attenborough and various AUVs, to operate in extreme environments and collect comprehensive data. This initiative is significant as it involves 15 collaborating institutions and aims to improve climate models and early warning systems for ice loss in Greenland's fjords. The data collected will enhance understanding of tipping points that could impact global climate. The GIANT mission, running from July to August, will focus on mapping and monitoring ocean temperatures and glacier movements. It will employ a connected observing system of underwater vehicles, robotic sensors, and drones to gather unprecedented measurements in challenging conditions.
University of Plymouth Launches £1.2 Million Multi-Robot Demonstration at Smart Sound Connect
The University of Plymouth has successfully completed a significant underwater trials demonstration at the Smart Sound Connect Subsurface (SSCS) project, showcasing multi-marine robotic platforms. This event featured collaboration among ACUA Ocean, ecoSUB Robotics, Seaber, and Sonardyne, highlighting the capabilities of the £1.2 million initiative aimed at enhancing marine autonomy and ocean sensing in the UK. The demonstration attracted stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the project's role in advancing technology in marine environments. The SSCS project enhances the existing Smart Sound Plymouth testbed by integrating a seabed node array for precise positioning and communication, alongside intelligent sensors. This infrastructure supports advanced testing capabilities for autonomous vehicles, reinforcing Plymouth's status as a leading hub for marine autonomy. The successful demonstration underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing ocean observing technologies that can provide actionable intelligence for climate resilience and preparedness. Looking ahead, the SSCS project aims to further develop ocean observing technologies that can transform prototypes into reliable data streams. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the ongoing collaboration is expected to drive innovation and strengthen industry partnerships in marine autonomy and sensing technologies.
Marine Research ACUA Ocean automation autonomous underwater vehicles auv
Sonardyne and AMOG Sign Subsea Asset Monitoring MoU
Sonardyne, a specialist in underwater technology, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with AMOG, an international advanced engineering firm, to deliver a comprehensive subsea asset monitoring service aimed at offshore energy infrastructure operators. This collaboration seeks to enhance the safety and efficiency of subsea operations, addressing the growing need for reliable monitoring solutions in the energy sector. The agreement was finalized recently, reflecting both companies' commitment to advancing technology in underwater asset management. By leveraging their respective expertise, Sonardyne and AMOG aim to provide innovative solutions that will support operators in maintaining the integrity and performance of their offshore assets.
sonardyne amog subsea asset monitoring mou
Sonardyne Fetch Precision for New Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope
A groundbreaking deep-sea neutrino detector is currently under construction, aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. This ambitious project, which is set to enhance scientific research significantly, will utilize advanced positioning technology provided by the underwater technology firm Sonardyne. The collaboration between scientists and Sonardyne is expected to ensure the detector's precise placement in the challenging underwater environment. As the project progresses, it promises to contribute valuable insights into fundamental questions about cosmic phenomena, potentially reshaping our knowledge of particle physics and astrophysics. The initiative highlights the growing intersection of technology and scientific exploration, as researchers strive to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
sonardyne fetch deep-sea neutrino telescope
Njord Survey Selects Sonardyne Navigation for ecoSUB AUVs
Swedish innovator Njord Survey has selected Sonardyne's advanced navigation technology to enhance the capabilities of its ecoSUB Robotics autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This collaboration aims to revolutionize subsea survey operations, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. The integration of Sonardyne's technology is expected to take place in the coming months, with the goal of improving data accuracy and operational efficiency in underwater surveys. By leveraging cutting-edge navigation solutions, Njord Survey seeks to address the growing demand for sustainable and precise subsea exploration methods.
njord survey sonardyne navigation ecosub auvs
Cellula Robotics selects Sonardyne for long-range AUVs
Cellula Robotics, a prominent developer of autonomous subsea robotic systems, has selected Sonardyne's navigation and positioning technology for its long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platforms. This partnership aims to enhance the operational capabilities of Cellula's AUVs, allowing for more precise navigation and positioning in underwater environments. The integration of Sonardyne's advanced technology is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of subsea operations, addressing the growing demand for reliable and sophisticated underwater exploration and data collection. The collaboration marks a strategic move for Cellula Robotics as it continues to innovate in the field of autonomous underwater systems.
cellula robotics sonardyne long-range auvs navigation avtrak 6 ranger 2 ultra-short baseline
Ashtead Technology Underscores Sonardyne’s Fusion 2 LBL as the Gold Standard
Sonardyne has solidified its position as a leader in underwater navigation and positioning with a significant new order from Ashtead Technology, a global provider of subsea solutions. The order involves Sonardyne's advanced Fusion 2 platform and 6+ technology, which are expected to enhance operational capabilities in subsea environments. This development underscores the growing demand for innovative underwater technologies in the industry. The partnership aims to leverage Sonardyne's expertise to improve the efficiency and accuracy of subsea operations, reflecting a broader trend towards technological advancement in underwater exploration and maintenance.
sonardyne ashtead technology fusion 2 lbl
Kraken Robotics Announces Signing of Strategic Acquisition to Expand Global Maritime Capabilities
Kraken Robotics has announced its agreement to acquire Covelya Group, a prominent international provider of essential underwater technology solutions. This acquisition includes Covelya's subsidiary companies, which are recognized leaders in the field: Sonardyne International Ltd., EIVA A/S, Forcys Ltd., Wavefront Systems Ltd., Voyis Imaging Inc., and Chelsea Technologies Ltd. The deal aims to enhance Kraken's capabilities in delivering advanced underwater technology and solutions, further solidifying its position in the market. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming months, aligning with Kraken's strategic growth objectives in the underwater technology sector.
kraken robotics strategic acquisition covelya group sonardyne international eiva forcys
STAPEM Group Brings Sonardyne Ranger 2 Onboard
STAPEM Group, based in France, has selected Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) technology as the permanent positioning solution for its offshore support vessel, the STAPEM Boreale. This upgrade, which took place recently, enhances the vessel's operational capabilities in Angola, a crucial area for STAPEM's operations. The STAPEM Boreale is now outfitted with the Ranger 2 GyroUSBL 7000 system, known for its high-performance and precise positioning capabilities, which had previously been utilized on a rental basis. This decision underscores STAPEM's commitment to improving its fleet's efficiency and operational effectiveness in challenging offshore environments.
stapem group fil -ocean sonardyne ranger 2 usbl
Sonardyne Underwater Positioning and Tracking for US Academic Research Fleet
Sonardyne's underwater positioning and tracking technology has been selected for integration into three new oceanographic research vessels, part of the National Science Foundation's Regional Class Research Vessel (RCRV) construction program. This decision underscores the NSF's commitment to advancing marine research capabilities. The vessels, designed to enhance scientific exploration and data collection in oceanographic studies, will be constructed in the coming years. By utilizing Sonardyne's innovative technology, the NSF aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of underwater navigation and data acquisition, ultimately supporting a wide range of research initiatives. The program reflects a significant investment in the future of ocean science, addressing the growing need for advanced research tools in understanding marine environments.
sonardyne underwater positioning tracking us academic research fleet
