A new hybrid survey vessel owned by Netherlands-based N-Sea Group has begun serving a long-term charter with Irish Mainport Holdings.
Designed by Conoship International and built by Neptune Marine, Geo Master will be used on survey, inspection, and other related duties for clients in the UK and European energy sectors.
The vessel has an LOA of 41.2 metres, a moulded beam of 8.7 metres, a maximum draught of only 2.4 metres, and accommodation for seven crewmembers and up to 14 scientists. The hybrid diesel-electric propulsion setup includes four Volvo Penta D13 IMO Tier III generators that each produce 332 kW at 1,500 rpm, two Veth 400kW azimuthing L-drives, and two Veth bow tunnel thrusters for additional lateral manoeuvrability.
The onboard electronics include a multibeam echosounder, USBL positioning gear and an integrated navigation system, two X-band radars, an ECDIS, a speed log, an anemometer, VHF and MF/HF radios, an EPIRB and SART, an acoustic Doppler current profiler, an autopilot, CCTV cameras, and satellite communications kit.
The vessel also has two moonpools and other equipment for supporting remotely operated vehicle operations.
Irish Mainport Holdings, via its Mainport Shipping business unit, will be Geo Master's end client. N-Sea will have the vessel under full commercial management and control.