NOAA modernizes fleet navigation to unlock more efficient oceanic research mission

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a fleet of specialized research vessels dedicated to critical scientific and operational work in oceanography. From seafloor mapping to fisheries surveys, these vessels rely on precise navigation to collect essential data that supports marine research and environmental protection. However, many of NOAA’s ships were facing operational disruptions due to aging mechanical gyrocompasses.

 To address these issues and improve long-term operational stability, NOAA selected Exail advanced Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) systems for retrofitting across its fleet. Exail cutting-edge technology has enabled NOAA to carry out essential missions with increased reliability, precision, and minimal maintenance.

The NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, the largest vessel in NOAA's fleet, is now fully equipped with Exail’s latest FOG system, enhancing its oceanographic research capabilities. Photo credit: Wes Struble/NOAA

The challenge: aging systems and operational downtime

NOAA’s fleet consists of hydrographic survey vessels, fisheries research ships, and oceanographic exploration vessels—all of which require precise navigation for mission success. After years of use, the mechanical gyrocompasses on these vessels were due for an update. Given the challenging oceanic conditions in which NOAA’s vessels operate, it became clear that a robust, maintenance-free navigation solution was necessary to ensure operational efficiency. With efficiency and safety in mind, NOAA sought a new navigation system that would provide superior reliability and eliminate the burden of frequent maintenance.

Transforming navigation with Exail FOG technology

Exail’s Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) systems provided the ideal solution. Unlike traditional mechanical gyrocompasses, FOG technology operates without any moving parts, significantly reducing the need for regular repairs and maintenance. Exail’s FOG systems are designed for reliability, offering an impressive Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 150,000 hours—five times longer than the systems they replaced. This results in less downtime, more consistent performance, and greater overall operational efficiency.

Exail’s Quadrans Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) and Netans Data Distribution Unit (DDU) were chosen for retrofit and installed across several key NOAA vessels, including:

• NOAA Ship BELL M. SHIMADA - Fisheries
• NOAA Ship OSCAR DYSON - Fisheries
• NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN - Oceanographic
• NOAA Ship HENRY B. BIGELOW - Fisheries
• NOAA Ship REUBEN LASKER - Fisheries
• NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER - Hydrographic
• NOAA Ship FAIRWEATHER - Hydrographic
• NOAA Ship OKEANOS EXPLORER - Oceanographic
• NOAA Ship OREGON II - Fisheries
• NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSON – Hydrographic

These vessels now benefit from enhanced navigation precision and reliability, which is crucial for their mission success.

Equipped with Exail’s cutting-edge FOG system, NOAA Ship Fairweather enhances hydrographic surveys, delivering precise seafloor mapping that supports navigation safety and critical marine research. Photo credit: NOAA

Impact on NOAA’s missions: advancing research and exploration goals

The implementation of Exail FOG systems has had a significant impact on NOAA’s ability to execute complex oceanographic missions. Some key benefits of the retrofit program include:

• Enhanced precision and accuracy

Exail systems enable NOAA vessels to continue performing detailed tasks such as seafloor mapping and deep-sea exploration with exceptional accuracy. This is crucial for gathering reliable data that enhances maritime safety and deepens our understanding of underwater geological features.

• Uninterrupted operations

With the installation of FOG technology, NOAA vessels experience fewer interruptions in research and exploration activities, whether in uncharted waters or conducting studies in the deep ocean.

• Cost efficiency

The maintenance-free nature of Exail systems reduces repair costs and extends the lifespan of navigation equipment, helping NOAA allocate more resources to its scientific endeavors.

A successful partnership with a vision for the future

The collaboration between Exail and NOAA has proven highly successful. The implementation of FOG systems on 10 NOAA vessels has led to improved operational reliability, increased mission uptime, and enhanced crew satisfaction. Operators have praised the system for its ease of use and the dramatic reduction in maintenance requirements.

Looking ahead, NOAA plans to continue modernizing its fleet with Exail FOG technology. Retrofits are already scheduled for additional vessels, and NOAA has recently placed orders for NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette, NOAA Ship Rainier, and NOAA Ship Pisces. Furthermore, the success of these upgrades has led NOAA to choose Exail to equip new vessels being built under the AGOR program, further strengthening the long-term partnership between the two organizations.

“This partnership exemplifies how the right technology, applied at scale, can make a measurable difference. By integrating Exail’s FOG systems across NOAA’s fleet, we’re not only modernizing critical navigation infrastructure, we’re improving operational reliability in various data-driven missions that directly support marine science and exploration. The feedback from NOAA crews has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to contribute to the success of their scientific work” said Euan Mackay, Business Development Manager – North America region at Exail.

The future of oceanographic exploration

As NOAA continues to push the boundaries of ocean exploration, Exail advanced FOG systems play an essential role in supporting these efforts. The ongoing integration of Exail technology across NOAA’s fleet ensures that the agency is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of future oceanographic missions, from deep-sea exploration to environmental monitoring. Exail is proud to support NOAA’s mission by providing reliable, next-generation navigation solutions that enable the agency to protect our oceans, promote scientific discovery, and ensure the sustainability of marine resources for generations to come.