Norway: Marine geophysical service provider, Polarcus, is having two seismic vessels of the new generation type SX134 constructed at the Ulstein Verft shipyard.
Polarcus is currently building up a fleet of advanced seismic vessels. The shipowner has previously built several Ulstein-designed ships at various yards, all of them with the X-BOW hull line design.
The two new generation Ulstein SX134s will receive their ICE-1A class notation from DNV. This notation allows these vessels to operate in Arctic waters under harsh ice conditions without the assistance of icebreakers. 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 powered by two electro engines each, which ensures continuing operation and manoeuvring if parts of equipment are damaged. 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 14 towing points in all (14 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.
The vessels will be delivered in March and June 2012.
