Marine Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) provide continuous position, orientation, and velocity data for vessels, AUVs, ROVs, submarines, and other marine platforms. Using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and onboard processing, these systems support navigation where GNSS signals are unavailable, degraded, or unreliable.
This page features suppliers of marine INS supporting subsea navigation, hydrographic surveying, offshore inspection, autonomous vehicle control, dynamic positioning, and scientific research.
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Precise GNSS & GPS Positioning Solutions for the Toughest Marine & Maritime Environments
Advanced Inertial Navigation, Motion & Positioning Solutions for Marine Applications
High-Accuracy Positioning, Orientation & Navigation Systems for Marine & Maritime Applications
High-Performance Instruments, Sensors & Technologies for Exploring & Monitoring Subsea Environments
Cutting-Edge Positioning, Navigation & Motion Tracking Systems for Marine & Maritime Vessels & Platforms
High-Accuracy Inertial Sensors & Acoustic Positioning Systems for Marine, Maritime & Offshore Applications
High-Performance Compact Inertial Sensing Modules for Marine & Subsea Applications
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Accurate navigation is fundamental to safe and effective marine operations, especially where satellite-based systems like GNSS/GPS are inaccessible or unreliable. Inertial navigation systems (INS) offer a robust alternative by delivering continuous positional data based on internal sensor measurements. In marine environments, on the surface or underwater, INS guides submarines, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and ships through complex and signal-denied areas. Whether supporting subsea surveys, deep-sea exploration, or naval missions, marine INS enables precise navigation under the most demanding conditions.
Quanta Micro Inertial Navigation System (INS) by SBG Systems
A marine Inertial Navigation System (INS) is a self-contained electronic device that determines a platform’s position, orientation, and velocity by processing input from inertial sensors. These systems typically consist of accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure linear acceleration and angular rotation, respectively.
Applying Newtonian mechanics, the INS continuously calculates movement from a known starting point without relying on external signals. This makes them especially suitable for underwater or GNSS-denied environments. Marine INS units can function independently or be integrated with GNSS, Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs), and other aiding sensors to enhance accuracy and correct for drift over time.
Inertial navigation systems work by measuring the linear acceleration and angular velocity of a platform. The system then uses these measurements to calculate changes in position and orientation over time. The core components include:
For marine applications, these components are typically part of a strapdown inertial navigation system, where the sensors are rigidly mounted to the platform and use algorithms to resolve position changes. Many systems use GNSS-aided or GPS-aided corrections to reduce cumulative errors, particularly in surface vessels.
Marine INS provide continuous estimates of position, velocity, and orientation as a platform moves. They are particularly useful underwater, where GNSS signals are unavailable, and on surface vessels that need navigation data between or alongside external position updates. Because inertial position estimates drift over time, a marine INS is commonly integrated with aiding sources such as GNSS, Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs), or acoustic positioning systems.
Submarines use subsea INS to maintain a navigation estimate while submerged and unable to receive GNSS signals. The system tracks movement from a known position, allowing the vessel to navigate between opportunities to obtain an external position update. Its ability to support extended submerged operations depends on sensor performance and the availability of periodic corrections.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) use INS to estimate their position and orientation during missions such as seabed mapping, environmental monitoring, and pipeline inspection. Integrating INS with a DVL can reduce position drift when the DVL provides reliable velocity measurements. Acoustic positioning and occasional surface GNSS fixes may provide further corrections, depending on the mission.
On Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), an INS supplies motion and navigation data for piloting, survey work, and subsea inspection. Combined with DVL or acoustic positioning measurements, it helps operators track the vehicle relative to underwater infrastructure and maintain an accurate position estimate during a task. Position-holding functions depend on the wider vehicle control system as well as its navigation sensors.
Surface vessels integrate INS with GNSS and other navigation equipment to obtain continuous position, velocity, heading, and motion data. Inertial measurements help bridge brief interruptions in external positioning and support systems used for vessel maneuvering, survey operations, and dynamic positioning. The required INS performance varies with the vessel and operation.
A subsea inertial navigation system can support subsea positioning systems by providing a continuous navigation estimate between acoustic updates or other external measurements. In hydrographic and seabed surveys, it also supplies the position and orientation data needed to georeference sensor observations. Accurate results depend on sensor calibration, alignment, timing, and the quality of the available aiding data.
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), including military USVs, use inertial navigation systems as part of their navigation and control systems. An INS provides continuous motion data and helps maintain a navigation estimate during short GNSS interruptions, while GNSS and other sensors correct accumulated drift. These capabilities support autonomous transit, route following, and survey operations.
Certus INS by Advanced Navigation
Several types of INS are suited for marine deployment, each with varying levels of precision and endurance:
While GNSS is widely used for surface navigation, inertial navigation systems provide key advantages in scenarios where GNSS is compromised:
Marine INS accuracy depends on sensor grade, calibration, and the duration of unaided operation. High-end systems offer drift rates as low as 0.01% of distance traveled.
Marine inertial navigation systems are typically designed to interface with various maritime technologies and must meet relevant environmental, performance, and interoperability standards. These include:
INS units are often integrated into larger marine systems such as dynamic positioning suites, hydrographic survey payloads, or AUV control platforms. Integration requires robust data interfaces and time-synchronization protocols to ensure accurate system performance.
Numerous manufacturers produce INS tailored for marine environments, offering variations in performance, durability, and sensor integration. Selection depends on mission requirements, platform type, and operational constraints. Popular applications span defense, research, commercial shipping, subsea construction, and offshore energy.
Marine inertial navigation systems continue to evolve with advances in sensor technology, data fusion algorithms, and integration frameworks. These systems remain essential for accurate and reliable navigation across the world’s oceans.
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