Polarcus Limited, a seismic specialist headquartered in Dubai’s supersupertall skyscraper, the Almas Tower, today accepted delivery of Polarcus Amani seismic vessel. This is the seventh vessel for 3D seismic acquisition that has entered Polarcus’ fleet, so far.
Polarcus Amani was constructed at Ulstein Verft in Norway. It will, following a short shakedown, start the charter for Norway’s TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (TGS). The two companies had signed the Letter of Intent in December 2011.
The charter will see Polarcus Amani perform seismic acquisition duties in the waters off the coast of West Africa.
This is the first vessel of two 12 – 14 streamer Arctic-ready 3D seismic vessels being built at Ulstein Verft AS and the third vessel in the Polarcus fleet of the ULSTEIN SX134 design, with an overall length of 92m and a beam of 21m.
The vessel design includes a high ice class (“ICE 1A super”), increased propulsion and other innovative efficiency enhancing features. Polarcus Amani is also one of the most environmentally responsible seismic vessels in the industry, with diesel-electric propulsion, high specification catalytic convertors, a double hull, and advanced ballast water treatment / bilge water cleaning systems. The vessel carries the stringent DNV CLEAN-DESIGN class notation. It has a maximum speed of 16 knots and is capable of deploying up to 14 Sercel Sentinel® solid streamers.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 29, 2012; Image: Polarcus