Alba Na Mara Launched in Fraserburgh

The Fisheries Research Vessel Alba Na Mara was officially launched today by the First Minister Alex Salmond, and was named by Mrs Salmond.

As the main electronics supplier to the Alba, Echomaster Marine Managing Director Les Smith was proud to be invited to the ceremony. Speeches were given by Mr Salmond, Dr Robin Cook of FRS and John Watt of Macduff Shipyards.

The Alba Na Mara has been fitted with an extensive array of marine electronics supplied and installed by Echomaster Marine. The vessel has been fitted with two mini ECDIS Sondena Chartplotters fitted with AIS, ARPA, 3D imaging, tide prediction, Wreck and Roxanne modules. Two JRC 5310/6 Radara are installed both of which are connected to and interswitch unit enabling the skipper to select any scanner to operate with the port and starboard mounted control units. Both radars feature full ARPA tracking facilities. A Simrad AI50 AIS transceiver provides target data to the radars and chartplotters.

Two Simrad GN33D GPS receivers provide position data, whilst two Simrad GC80 expanded Gyro Compass Systems monitor the ships's heading. A skipper EML224 dual axis electromagnetic log provides water speed. A triple station AP50 Autopliot with thruster interface is connected to the Wills Ridley steering.

The accoustic equipment comprises of a Simrad ES60 dual frequency 50/200kHz Echosounder, Suzuki S1800 80kHz sonar and a Skipper GDF201 netsounder with colour printer. An internal and external Skipper IR301 digital repeater provides depth information to assist with survey equipment deployment.

Echomaster Marine have taken advantage of the latest developments in display integration. Eleven of the 16 bridge monitors are connected to a 16 way NTI video matrix which is in turn connected to all the bridge equipment, allowing the skipper full flexibility when engaging in different types of survey work. In addition, the bridge NTI video matrix is connected to another 16-way NTI video Matrix installed in the Alba Na Mara's dry laboratory, allowing scientists working in the dry/wet laboratory areas to view a comprehensive picture of the vessel's movements at all times.

CCTV images are displayed using the same monitors both in the bridge and wet/dry lab areas. Three MIC1-400 pan/tilt and zoom cameras rated to IP68 and featuring 360 degree pan and 320 degree tilt capabilities, provide the skipper and scientists with a clear picture of the deck areas whilst winch and engine room cameras monitor the machinery areas.

Communiciation equipment onboard the Alba includes a Simrad fleet 55 with voice, data and fax capabilities, two sailor RT5022 DCS VHF's, two Ericsson mobile phone terminals, four Simrad Axis 50 GMDSS handheld VHF's. Two Simrad SA50 SARTs and Two Simrad EP50 EPIRBs have also been installed onboard.

Other equipment includes a JRC Navex and Taiyo Weather Fax.

Alba Na Mara is the first research vessel worldwide to be fitted with the new Simrad HU20 transducer hoist. A special mounting pod fitted to the HU20, designed in conjunction with Fisheries Research Services, Macduff Shipyards and Echomaster Marine, contains the three Simrad split beam transducers operating on 38, 120 and 200kHz.

The new ethernet controller from Simrad, allows the HU20 to be lowered to varying distances below the keep, up to a Maximum of one metre. Using this unique feature, the transducers can be lowered to a pre-determined position repeatedly. By lowering the transducers beow the vessel, accoustic noise generated by the vessel is minimised, ensuring data collected is of a high quality.

A Simrad EK60 scientific echosounder collects acoustic data from all three frequencies. A Kongsberg Seatex MRU-H motion sensor monitors the vessel's pitch/roll and heave movement and this information is stored for retrieval during post processing of the collected acoustic data.

Special attention has been paid to interfacing all the equipment on board the Alba Na Mara to minimise potential problems and provide future expansion capabilities. Nineteen Actisense NBF-2 fully opto-isolated buffers and one NBC-4 multiplexer have been used throughout the vessel, all connected with 1,000m of data cable.