Superseding the company’s earlier Marinus sensors, Orion’s subsea version is rated to 6,000m, while a surface model can be used in the most extreme sea conditions at minimal downtime. Each version incorporates three single axis ring laser elements along with a similar number of high accuracy accelerometers as core components, with data processed via a dedicated marine type algorithm.

The quoted heading accuracy is 0.1(DEGREE) sec lat, with roll and pitch measurements to within 0.025(DEGREE) through a range of(PLUS OVER MINUS CHARACTER) 90(DEGREE). Heave measurements are accurate to 5cm or 5% over ranges to (PLUS OVER MINUS) 99m and free inertial positioning remains accurate to 5 NM/hr.

TSS is assembling Orion systems at its Watford UK factory and is keen to emphasize their overall dependability, with an MTBF (mean time between failure) rating of 30,000 hours. One customer already persuaded is leading rental company Ashtead Technology, which has placed a substantial order for systems together with a further one for six TSS 440 pipe and cable trackers for hire via its Aberdeen, Houston and Singapore outlets.