Polarcus to Build Arctic Seismic Vessels

The entire vessel is ice-reinforced with thicker ribs and skin plates. The vessel has de-icing and ice-preventing systems at critical tanks and pipelines. Propellers, gears and thrusters are chosen and dimensioned based on specific rules for withstanding operation in ice. The two propellers are driven by two electric motors each; this ensures continuous operation and manoeuvring if parts of equipment are damaged. In addition, the ship has the DNV notation WINTERIZED BASIC. Escape corridors and rescue equipment are also protected against icing during Arctic operations. The vessel will have two workboats and an MOB on board.

The two vessels will be equipped for 3D seismic, and will get three additional lead-in winches on deck and two extra towing points adding up to fourteen towing points in all (fourteen streamers).The additional winches provide added flexibility to enable personnel to easily replace or repair components during operations, avoiding costs related to downtime. The SPS code provides added safety and enables operations worldwide. The vessel also carries the Clean Design Certificate.

Peter Zickerman, executive vice president Polarcus, noted that ULSTEIN's technical competence and innovative ship design was a good fit with Polarcus' business philosophy. "Together, we are developing the next-generation seismic vessels. We are witnessing an increasing demand amongst our clients for higher quality, more environmentally responsible, seismic services ," he says. "The X-BOW hull design combined with a number of green and future-oriented solutions helps us meet that demand with safer operations and better environmental performance."

Ulstein adds that according to feedback the company has received on the fifteen vessels in operation with the X-BOW design, the bow performs extremely well. "During seismic work, smooth acceleration is important to achieving more stable pulling power, which is crucial to exerting a more even load on seismic equipment," CEO Gunvor Ulstein says. "It also provides calmer and safer working conditions for the crew."

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2012, one in March and the other in June.