Long Baseline Positioning Systems Selected for Deepwater Projects

Exail has secured contracts to supply more than 70 acoustic transponders and integrated navigation systems for two major deepwater energy developments in Brazil and Angola.

The systems will support subsea construction, offshore infrastructure installation, and survey operations in complex environments at depths of up to 4,000 meters.

In Brazil, for an ultra-deepwater gas project, Exail will supply a network of 56 Canopus acoustic transponders combined with Rovins Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), establishing the primary subsea positioning reference for key construction phases. In Angola, on a mature offshore oil field, Ramses acoustic transceivers will be integrated with Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)-based INS to enable the precise installation of new pipelines and subsea structures within existing infrastructure.

Both projects will utilize Exail’s range-aided Long Baseline (LBL) positioning approach, combining acoustic positioning with high-performance inertial navigation. This hybrid method enables a reduced, or “sparse,” seabed transponder layout, lowering the number of units required compared to conventional configurations. It also supports a calibration process up to 50% faster than traditional techniques, reducing vessel time and equipment requirements while maintaining decimetric positioning accuracy.

Thiago Montanari, Sales Director Oil & Gas for Americas, commented, “These projects illustrate how hybrid acoustic and inertial positioning is transforming deepwater operations. By combining high-precision positioning with on-site operational expertise, Exail helps operators mitigate risk and ensure the reliability of complex subsea infrastructure throughout the development lifecycle.”

The contracts build on Exail’s experience in subsea positioning across global offshore markets and reflect ongoing demand for efficient and reliable navigation solutions in ultra-deepwater environments. The technology is intended to support both new developments and the expansion of existing offshore assets.