New Equipment Order Expands Subsea Navigation Rental Fleet

Ashtead Technology has placed a major order for Fusion 2 subsea positioning systems and 6+ technology from Sonardyne, expanding its rental fleet to over 1,000 Compatt 6+ units alongside additional navigation, transponder, and acoustic release systems By Eleanor Widdows / 10 Mar 2026

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New Equipment Order Expands Subsea Navigation Rental Fleet
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Ashtead Technology has significantly expanded its rental fleet through a major new order of Sonardyne’s Fusion 2 platform and 6+ technology.

This latest investment increases the global subsea solution provider’s inventory of Sonardyne Compatt 6+ units to well over 1,000, further solidifying the platform’s position as a primary choice for subsea positioning and navigation.

The Fusion 2 system integrates Long BaseLine (LBL) and SPRINT INS into a single, streamlined platform to enhance the execution of offshore construction projects. By utilizing techniques such as Sparse LBL and SLAM calibration, the technology aims to make underwater operations more accurate and efficient.

In addition to Compatt 6+ and ROVNav 6+ units, the expanded fleet now includes SPRINT-Nav navigation systems, Nano transponders, and RT 6 acoustic releases. These components form a compatible suite of subsea solutions designed to provide high-level precision for various offshore applications.

Phil Middleton, Head of Survey & Robotics at Ashtead Technology, commented, “This investment underscores our commitment to providing customers with the most advanced subsea technology to support their critical offshore projects. By expanding and upgrading our Sonardyne equipment pool, we’re not only enhancing our service offering but also reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in the offshore construction market. Precision and efficiency are at the heart of what we do, and these advancements ensure we continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers worldwide.”

The Fusion 2 platform offers advanced capabilities including full LBL support, real-time SLAM calibration for sparse arrays, and wireless structure deflection monitoring. These features are designed to reduce transponder counts, vessel time, and overall operational costs while maintaining centimetric accuracy for tasks ranging from subsea structure installation to pipeline monitoring.

Alan MacDonald, Head of Sales – UK, Europe and Africa, at Sonardyne, added, “Fusion 2 represents five decades of pioneering innovation at Sonardyne, driven by our goal to make underwater operations simpler, safer and more efficient.

“Ashtead Technology’s investment is a testament to the platform’s capabilities and its role in setting the gold standard for offshore operations. By adopting Fusion 2 and Compatt 6+, they are equipping customers with the tools needed to meet the demands of modern offshore operations with confidence. From subsea structure installation to pipeline monitoring, Fusion 2 enables safer, faster and more reliable offshore operations.”

Posted by Eleanor Widdows Eleanor joined Ocean Science Technology in 2025 as a Junior Editor and Copywriter. She holds a First-Class Honors degree in English Language and Linguistics from the University of Southampton and is passionate about producing clear, informative content on the latest developments in ocean science and marine technology. Eleanor has a strong interest in subsea and survey, environmental monitoring, and uncrewed systems. Connect