AXYS Technologies Inc. (AXYS) is supplying an oceanographic and meteorological data collection buoy to Fabricom (GDF Suez), a leading, multi-disciplined engineering, project management and construction organization based in Belgium.

Fabricom approached AXYS in late Fall 2011 after an existing met-ocean buoy that they had been maintaining was destroyed in an accident with a vessel near the Flemish Banks. The requirements were to provide an alternative buoy platform with waves, currents, winds and temperature measuring capabilities. Data from the buoy was to be transmitted via UHF radio. After a review of the requirements and deployment environment, AXYS determined that a WatchMate 1.8 meter diameter buoy platform, outfitted with applicable sensors and telemetry, could be suitable for the job. A contract award was made in December.

The WatchMate buoy is controlled by the WatchMan500M marine datalogger/controller, which also includes DMS control software and SmartWeb data display tools. Onboard sensors include a TRIAXYS Directional Wave sensor, a Nortek 2MHz ADP single point current meter, an AXYS modified air temperature sensor, and a Gill Windsonic anemometer. Data is sent to shore each hour via GPRS cellular telemetry. An L3 Automatic Identification System (AIS) type 3 transponder is installed to give mariners advance warning of the buoy’s position, helping to prevent and avoid collisions. The AIS device can also send short met-hydro messages if needed.

The WatchMate buoy is currently under final testing at the AXYS facility. Deployment is expected to take place in Spring 2012 after completion of AXYS Field Service Specialist training and commissioning on site in Belgium.

Terms of the contract have not been provided.

Fabricom is part of the global energy group GDF SUEZ and has a heritage of over 30 years of successful project delivery to the maritime, oil, gas power and allied industries. For further information contact Fabricom via http://www.fabricom-gdfsuez.com/

AXYS Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and maintains remote environmental data acquisition, processing and telemetry systems. For further information contact AXYS at info@axys.com or visit www.axystechnologies.com

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AXYS Technologies Inc.
Media Contact:
Laurie Clarke
Marketing Coordinator
lclarke@axys.com
T: +1 (250) 655-5860