Tenggara Explorer adopts Marfle to modernise vessel monitoring

The Tenggara Explorer is a 33.4‑metre multi‑purpose, AMSA 2B survey category commercial charter vessel operating across Australia in the oil and gas, defence, and ocean survey sectors. Designed for demanding offshore work, the vessel supports subsea construction, ROV operations, environmental and hydrographic survey, and specialist marine projects requiring reliability, endurance, and operational flexibility.

Built in 2007 by SBF Australia and operating under the Australian flag, the Tenggara Explorer has undergone continuous maintenance and targeted upgrades since returning to the Australian market in 2023. These investments ensure the vessel remains competitive, compliant, and technically capable in an increasingly data‑driven offshore environment.

Vessel capability overview

Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 engines (600 hp each), the Tenggara Explorer delivers a maximum speed of approximately 13 knots, with efficient fuel consumption and a total fuel capacity of 62,000 litres, enabling long‑duration offshore campaigns. Electrical power is supplied by three generators (two Caterpillar C4.4 units and one C2.2) that support survey systems, ROV operations, and vessel power loads simultaneously.

The vessel offers generous working deck areas, including:

• Fore deck: 42.65 m² free area
• Aft deck: 26.40 m² free area

These spaces allow for flexible mobilisation of survey spreads, subsea tooling, and specialist equipment. Two 50hp hydraulic bow thrusters enhance manoeuvrability during close‑quarters operations, station keeping, and port movements.

2025 technology upgrades – enabling smarter operations

In 2025, Tenggara Explorer implemented a series of system upgrades focused on operational efficiency, autonomy, and remote visibility of vessel performance.

A key upgrade was the installation of Greenroom Robotics’ Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) package. Integrated with the vessel’s control systems, sensors, and a Sonardyne Mini Ranger 2 USBL system (utilising the HPT 3000 transceiver with a 4,000 m range), GAMA enables advanced functionality including:

• Autonomous ROV following
• Station keeping
• Survey line keeping
• Improved consistency during subsea operations

These capabilities reduce crew workload, improve positional accuracy, and enhance operational repeatability - particularly valuable during long survey or ROV campaigns.

Why Marfle – bringing vessel data together

To complement these technical upgrades, Tenggara Explorer selected Marfle as its vessel management and data platform.

As vessel operations become more complex, managing compliance, maintenance, performance data, and operational records across multiple systems can create unnecessary administrative load and operational risk. Marfle Fleet Analytics provides a single, intuitive platform that brings together critical vessel information in one place.

For the Tenggara Explorer, Marfle enables:

• Centralised vessel management – maintenance, defect tracking, and compliance records accessible in real time
• Improved operational visibility – clear insight into vessel status, whether offshore or alongside
• Reduced administrative burden – streamlined workflows for crew and shore‑based management
• Better decision‑making – accurate, up‑to‑date data to support operational and commercial planning

Importantly, Marfle allows the management team to monitor vessel performance remotely, supporting informed decisions while the vessel is deployed on charter.

A future‑ready offshore platform

The combination of advanced autonomy systems onboard the Tenggara Explorer and Marfle’s modern vessel management platform represents a step change in how offshore vessels are operated and managed.

By investing in both on‑water capability and digital vessel monitoring, Tenggara Explorer is positioned to deliver safer, more efficient, and more transparent operations for clients across the oil and gas, defence, and survey sectors.

Marfle plays a key role in this evolution - ensuring that as vessels become smarter offshore, the systems monitoring them ashore keep pace and information is available for the crew.

Vessel: Tenggara Explorer
Length: 33.4 m
Sectors: Oil & Gas | Defence | Ocean Survey
Vessel Monitoring Platform: Marfle

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Ready to achieve similar results? Marfle experts are always happy to help you find the right solution for your fleet and answer any questions you may have. Get in touch today.

About the author

Kai Lebens (Guest Author)

As a Director of Tenggara Explorer Pty Ltd, he leverages his diverse expertise to steer the operations of the Tenggara Explorer—a specialist utility vessel based in Fremantle, WA, designed for environmental, survey, and ROV operations. His strategic insight ensures the vessel is not only a leader in maritime capability but also in client service and operational excellence.