With more than 25 years’ experience, MDL is a global pioneer and world leader in laser measurement technology and positioning and navigation systems used by businesses which have reached the forefront of their industry by increasing their efficiency and providing the best technologies for their staff.

Founded in 1983, MDL is a privately-owned, UK-based developer, designer and manufacturer of eye-safe, laser-based, time-of-flight measurement systems used in scores of applications where speed, accuracy and safety are paramount.

MDL's Fanbeam® system is a laser based positioning sensor designed for repetitive, high accuracy range and bearing measurements from offshore support vessels and other marine structures.

The system is primarily used as a dynamic positioning (DP) reference sensor measuring the position of an offshore support vessel (OSV) relative to an offshore structure such as a platform. Using the position data from the Fanbeam and other sensors, the DP system automatically holds the vessel on station allowing operations to take place. The system is regularly used as the primary position reference during critical short-range operations such as cargo container lifts from platform supply vessels.

The system has also been extensively used for seismic source positioning relative to geophysical exploration vessels and for positioning mine detection equipment relative to navy vessels