Kraken Robotics, a developer of underwater imaging and power solutions for survey applications, has appointed BlueZone Group as an authorized reseller of the Kraken Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) and the KATFISH towed SAS platform in Australia and New Zealand.
The agreement enables BlueZone to offer Kraken’s SAS and KATFISH towed SAS platform to defense and commercial customers across the region.
Kraken’s SAS technology provides simultaneous imaging and bathymetric mapping, delivering resolutions as fine as 2 cm by 2 cm at ranges of up to 200 meters per side. The system can be integrated across a variety of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), such as compact, man-portable models and extra-large platforms.
The KATFISH system integrates Kraken’s SAS on an actively stabilized, intelligent towfish, enabling high-speed operation up to 10 knots while still capturing rapid, high-resolution data.
Kraken’s ISO20 and Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) autonomous Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) further expand deployment flexibility, supporting platforms ranging from mine countermeasure vessels and vessels of opportunity to USVs 11 meters or larger.
Kraken recently partnered with BlueZone Group to service the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) KATFISH and ISO20 LARS aboard HMAS Leeuwin. The system is now operational under the RAN’s Hydrographic Service, with the companies completing the first Depot-Level Maintenance on the KATFISH towed SAS system in under one month. This highlighted the value of in-country supportability provided by the partnership.
Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics, stated, “Kraken’s technologies are deployed globally in support of critical naval operations, making strong local partnerships essential to our success. Our collaboration with BlueZone Group enhances regional support across Australia and New Zealand, enabling increased access to our advanced SAS systems for mine countermeasure operations, critical underwater infrastructure inspection, and other survey needs.”
Andrew Hazell, General Manager Defence at BlueZone Group, added, “This agreement represents an important milestone in our role as a trusted partner supporting advanced maritime technologies. By becoming Kraken’s authorized reseller, BlueZone Group reinforces its commitment to delivering sovereign capability in the operation and support of hydrographic and oceanographic equipment. This ensures the Australian Defence Force maintains the tools it needs to safeguard our maritime interests and protect critical shipping lanes.”
