WASSP Showcases Advanced Multibeam Innovation at New Zealand–Spain Maritime Industry Event in Vigo WASSP, a global leader in multibeam sonar technology, took centre stage at a New Zealand Business Breakfast maritime industry event hosted at the Royal Nautical Club of Vigo, in the Galicia region of Spain - one of Europe’s premier maritime regions. The gathering brought together New Zealand marine technology companies and leading Galician maritime organisations to strengthen collaboration, share innovations, and explore new opportunities within one of Europe’s most dynamic maritime regions. The event was opened by Nicholas Walbridge, Chargé d’Affaires of New Zealand in Spain, who highlighted Vigo's deep maritime heritage and its alignment with New Zealand’s long-standing commitment to ocean innovation. With Galicia recognised for excellence in shipbuilding and marine technology, the event served as a strong platform for exchange between the two maritime nations. WASSP Highlights Next‑Generation Multibeam Capabilities Representing WASSP, Justin Kiel, Sales Manager, delivered a focused presentation on the company’s latest multibeam sonar solutions and their growing adoption across global commercial fishing, survey, and superyacht markets. Attendees were introduced to WASSP’s three core product series for Fishing, Survey and Superyacht. Today, WASSP technology operates in more than 30 countries worldwide, distributed globally through Furuno, and supported by an internationally recognised dealer network. The company’s participation in Vigo reinforced WASSP’s commitment to both innovation and global industry collaboration. A Strong Platform for Connection and Collaboration The networking event brought together a curated group of New Zealand innovators across maritime communication, propulsion, materials, robotics, battery systems, and vessel monitoring. Alongside WASSP, attendees heard from companies including Pinpoint Earth, Powershield, Propspeed, Tait Communications, C‑Tech, HamiltonJet, and Boxfish Robotics. Industry representatives and guests explored how New Zealand’s marine technology ecosystem - including WASSP, continues to deliver practical yet innovative solutions that enhance vessel performance, increase safety, and enable more informed decision‑making on the water. Strengthening Ties with Galicia’s Maritime Community Closing remarks by Óscar Gómez, Managing Director of Aclunaga, and Tara Druce, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner, emphasised the importance of building long‑term partnerships between New Zealand and Galicia. With both regions known for maritime expertise, innovation, and strong fishing traditions, the event laid the foundation for new collaborations that will benefit the global marine industry. For WASSP, the gathering provided an opportunity to deepen relationships with Spanish and European dealers, connect with industry leaders, and highlight how its multibeam solutions are shaping the future of marine operations - from commercial fleets to survey professionals and the expanding superyacht market. Click here to read the event highlight article from Spanish Fisheries Magazine Industrias Pesqueras   Interested in learning more about WASSP multibeam solutions for your applications? Get in touch with our team or explore our technology by contacting us here.  

New Zealand's leading marine electronics distributor and manufacturer, Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL), will mark an extraordinary milestone in 2026 - its 80th year in business. What began in December 1945 as a small public company focused on designing and supplying radio direction finders (RDF) specifically for fishing vessels - a niche but highly practical application of marine electronics at the time - has evolved into a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of marine electronics. Today, ENL operates from offices in Auckland and Nelson, supported by more than 40 WASSP distributors worldwide - a testament to how far the company has come and where strong partnerships have been central to ENL's success. The company has represented FURUNO exclusively in New Zealand for more than 60 years, a partnership that deepened when FURUNO acquired a significant shareholding alongside Managing Director Gareth Hodson and former Director Mike Hodson. FURUNO also champions WASSP globally, distributing it across more than 40 countries since 2010. Innovation has always defined ENL. The launch of WASSP (Wide Angle Sonar Seafloor Profiler) in 2006 reshaped the company's international footprint. Today, WASSP is a market leader in multibeam sonar technology, trusted across commercial fishing, defence, mapping, surveying, and superyacht sectors. Managing Director Gareth Hodson says the 80-year milestone is more than a celebration -  it reflects the company's enduring spirit. "Like many great New Zealand companies, ENL began with humble roots and a passion for innovation - that number-eight-wire mindset where anything's possible. To celebrate 80 years after navigating both challenges and achievements is something truly special for us," says Hodson. Since 2006, a core part of ENL's business has been the manufacture of its world-leading multibeam sounder system, WASSP - where the company see's it's systems operating in nearly every corner of the world. "We're now approaching 20 years of WASSP in the market, with our third generation currently in operation - we've sold more than 3,000 systems globally." Looking ahead to the next decade and towards the company's 90th year, Hodson says the focus is on growth, future product development, and embracing new technologies - particularly AI. "Over the next five to ten years, for WASSP it will be about strengthening our offshore operations and focusing on AI integration to better manage our data." "Beyond commercial fishing, we're looking at further expansion into the growing hydrographic, aquaculture, defence, and superyachts markets - which are all strong growth areas for us. Locally we want to expand our Furuno presence here with key partnerships in both leisure and commercial." Hodson says one of ENL's key strengths is staff retention and its investment in young, emerging talent. "Many of our people have been here a long time - it's not uncommon to see more than 10 years of service. Culture is important to us. We're a diverse organisation, it's never boring, and we believe we offer strong opportunities for young people to build careers in a great industry." "In ten years' time, I'd love to see someone succeeding me. I'd also like to see a strong pipeline of young graduates and apprentices coming through the organisation and making a real difference." As ENL builds towards 90-years of operation, the company is entering a new phase of growth driven by accelerating global demand for advanced multibeam sonar technology. With WASSP firmly established as a leading platform across commercial fishing, hydrographic survey, defence, research, and superyacht markets, ENL is now focused on scaling its capabilities to meet increasing international demand. To support this momentum and improve speed to market, ENL is investing significantly in major manufacturing capacity upgrades at its Auckland headquarters. These enhancements will strengthen production capability, streamline delivery, and position the company to support continued global expansion - reinforcing its evolution from distributor to globally recognised marine technology innovator. "Growth attracts talent, so we'll be focused on growth in the coming decade. I'm excited to see how ENL looks when we're 90." ------------------------------------ About ENL Since 1945, ENL has been a major player in the NZ marine industry. ENL has earned a reputation for outstanding innovation, supply and service of quality marine electronic products within New Zealand and beyond our shores. About WASSP WASSP Multibeam is a product developed by ENL group in New Zealand. ENL currently manufactures WASSP Multibeam Sounder for Commercial Fishing, Sport Fishing, Hydrographic Survey, Super Yacht and more. ENL, founded in 1945 is now a subsidiary of Furuno and has a strong R&D focus particularly in the field of Multibeam Sounder.

WASSP Multibeam Showcases Seabed Mapping Technology at Navy Tech & Seabed Defence 2026 Gothenburg, Sweden, February 2026 WASSP Multibeam, a global leader in multibeam sonar and seabed mapping technology, recently showcased its advanced seabed awareness solutions at Navy Tech & Seabed Defence 2026, highlighting growing opportunities in naval defence and autonomous maritime operations. Attending in partnership with Furuno Sweden, the WASSP team engaged with NATO navies, defence agencies, and unmanned vessel manufacturers at the leading defence technology event held 2–5 February in Gothenburg. The event highlighted accelerating demand for high-resolution seabed mapping and situational awareness solutions for unmanned maritime platforms. Growing Demand for Seabed Mapping in Autonomous Maritime Operations A major theme at the event was the rapid adoption of unmanned maritime systems, particularly unmanned surface vessels — commonly referred to as “Drone Boats.” Defence organisations and vessel manufacturers are increasingly seeking reliable seabed mapping and navigation technologies to support autonomous operations. Industry stakeholders showed strong interest in WASSP’s capabilities, including: High-resolution multibeam seabed mapping Real-time seafloor awareness for autonomous navigation and reconnaissance Software Development Kit (SDK) integration for unmanned platforms Combined sensor solutions with Furuno radar technologies WASSP’s proven performance in commercial marine environments, combined with flexible integration capabilities, positions the technology as a compelling solution for next-generation defence applications. WASSP technology was presented alongside Furuno Sweden, featuring the WASSP DRX processor and joint demonstrations focused on integration across the full Furuno product range for unmanned vessel applications. The collaboration attracted strong engagement from naval personnel and defence technology providers while reinforcing WASSP’s partnership with the Furuno global network. Positioned for Growth in Naval Defence and Autonomous Systems The event confirmed a significant shift in naval procurement, with increased defence spending and growing adoption of commercial off-the-shelf technologies. Defence organisations are actively seeking proven civil-market solutions that can deliver reliable performance and rapid deployment. With its established track record in multibeam sonar technology, strong global partnerships, and advanced integration capabilities, WASSP is well positioned to support emerging requirements for seabed awareness across defence, offshore, and autonomous maritime markets. As autonomous vessels continue to reshape maritime operations, WASSP remains committed to delivering innovative seabed mapping solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and operational awareness. We’d like to thank everyone who visited the stand, shared insights, and explored new opportunities with us — your interest and discussions made the event a great success. We also extend our thanks to our partner Furuno Sweden for their collaboration and support throughout the event. Interested in learning more about WASSP multibeam solutions for defence or autonomous vessel applications? Get in touch with our team or explore our technology by contacting us here.

Preserving Underwater Heritage with WASSP and the PAS Project WASSP technology isn’t just helping vessels navigate, it’s uncovering history. The USV ARGO Evo marine drone, developed by Università degli Studi di Napoli “Parthenope,” recently completed successful tests in the Gulf of Naples as part of the PAS Project. Equipped with WASSP Multibeam sonar and advanced AI modules, ARGO Evo can capture detailed geomorphological and archaeological data of submerged structures, even in complex environments. This innovation will help protect and showcase Campania’s underwater heritage, funded by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. From commercial fishing to superyachts, and now marine archaeology, WASSP is powering projects across the world, proving its versatility. Contact us for more information. 

METSTRADE 2025 Our team had an amazing experience at METSTRADE 2025 in Amsterdam, showcasing the WASSP W Series multibeam sonar to superyacht professionals from around the world. The W Series is designed to elevate capability beyond luxury, giving owners and captains the tools to: Navigate confidently in unfamiliar watersMap the seabed in real time for safe anchoringSupport marine research and environmental initiatives Thank you to everyone who visited us in Amsterdam.  We’re excited to continue these conversations and help you explore further. Discover more about the W3 Series Or let's talk.  

Smarter Fishing Conversations in Aalborg We’ve had a fantastic few days at DanFish 2025, connecting with commercial fishers, dealers, and innovators from across Europe at the Furuno stand in Aalborg. The spotlight was on the WASSP F3 multibeam sonar, our trusted tool for smarter, more sustainable fishing. From real-time 3D seafloor mapping to advanced backscatter and fish detection, the F3 continues to help operators fish with precision and confidence. Next event for WASSP: METS2025 in Amsterdam.   Will we see you there?

The Kiwi WASSP creating buzz for Japanese giant Electronic Navigation, the little known New Zealand distributor and technology partner for global marine giant Furuno has a proud role to play in the Japan based conglomerate’s latest record sales success. Furuno, developer of the world’s first fish-finder back in 1948, and now one of the biggest international producers of marine navigation and communication equipment has recently  recorded its largest revenue year ever of 114B Japanese Yen or $1.26 Billion NZD. The brand’s best known in New Zealand for sitting atop the radars on most super yachts and commercial fishing vessels around NZ waters but tucked away in an industrial area of Auckland’s Northshore in the Wairau Valley is the NZ business, Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL), parent company of WASSP and Furuno New Zealand, single-handedly responsible for opening up a lucrative new product line for the multi-national giant. ENL majority owned by Furuno - is the brainchild behind the world leading WASSP Multibeam Sonar used extensively in the commercial fishing, surveying and defence industries as well as the lucrative international super yacht market. WASSP’s revolutionary multibeam technology makes it more accurate and 100 times faster compared to single-beam sounders with a huge focus on very user-friendly, intuitive design and user interface. ENL Managing Director, Gareth Hodson, says the very first WASSP was sold into Saudi Arabia 20 years ago this month for mapping pipelines, and it’s the international nature of that first sale that has set the tone for WASSP’s continued, meteoric expansion.  “WASSP now has established markets in nearly 40 countries with a number one market share in many of them from Asia to Europe to North America for the commercial fishing sector especially. “Furuno began its association with WASSP 10 years ago as part of a capital raise by ENL – a hugely strategic investment that secured global channels to market for our product as well as a key collaboration with the most advanced R&D in marine electronics on the planet.” A decade on and Hodson says: “We’ve only just begun.” “Exporting in the professional marine sector is not for the faint hearted. Having Furuno as  a cornerstone investor provided the confidence needed to succeed. Ten years on from that initial Furuno investment from Japan, our Auckland based R&D capability has transformed while maintaining a Kiwi innovative mentality towards solving customer problems.” Hodson says the future vision for the group and WASSP is centred around sustainability, from assisting with sustainable commercial fishing practices through to supporting renewable energy exploration such as sea-bed mapping for off-shore windfarms.

1 December 2023 WASSP recently displayed the latest in Multibeam Echosounder technology at the METS 2023 Trade Show in Amsterdam last month. METS is the largest international Marine B2B exhibition in the world and over the last years, organisers have added a special Super Yacht Pavilion for suppliers to the Superyacht industry. WASSP took the opportunity to showcase their Wireless system (W3) to demonstrate to key people from the industry. WASSP W3 is a seafloor mapping system that is mounted to the tender boat of a Superyacht or Cruise ship. When the yacht is navigating/exploring in uncharted or poorly charted areas around the world, they can deploy the tender using WASSP to map the seafloor and generate its own 3D charts which the mothership can then proceed. This mapping from the tender is relayed in real-time via a long-range wireless link to the ‘Mothership’ where the live mapping data from the tender is shown on the navigation screens in the bridge and will remain available for safe navigation or anchorage planning.    Thanks to WASSP’s leading Multibeam Echosounder technology it is possible to map a very large area in a relatively short period of time (hundreds of times faster and more accurate than using a standard single beam echosounder). Once the map is created, the bridge crew can immediately see a clear 2D top view and 3D 360° picture of where it is safe to sail.  See document “Wireless WASSP Explained” for further information. The WASSP W3 system has become a must have aboard some of the world’s largest Superyachts. WASSP is currently being fitted aboard several Superyachts, all around the world. Learn more at: www.wassp.com   Justin Kiel & Mandy Smith - WASSP