Polarcus takes delivery of Arctic-ready seismic vessel

Polarcus Limited (OAX: PLCS) reports that Polarcus Amani AS, a member of the Polarcus Group, has taken delivery of Polarcus Amani, the seventh 3D seismic vessel to date to join the Polarcus fleet, all with the Ulstein X-Bow.. The vessel was built at Ulstein Verft in Norway and following a short shakedown will commence a previously announced charter for TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (TGS).

Polarcus Amani is the first of two SX134 design 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 92 m and a beam of 21 m.

The vessel has been built to a high ice class (“ICE 1A super”).

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.

Polarcus Amani has a maximum speed of 16 knots and is capable of deploying up to 14 Sercel Sentinel solid streamers.

“Ulstein Verft is known for its punctual and high-quality deliveries, and with the delivery of Polarcus Amani, they have once again proven their ability to handle demanding building projects,” says CEO of Polarcus, Rolf Rønningen.

Polarcus Amani is the first Polarcus vessel built by Ulstein’s own shipyard in Norway. Her sister vessel, yard number 293, is due for delivery at the end of the second quarter of 2012.

“Our cooperation with Polarcus in designing and building this state-of-the-art seismic vessel has been the very best,” confirms Gunvor Ulstein, CEO of Ulstein Group, who is looking forward to the companies’ continued collaboration. Ulstein has also delivered switchboards and the communication and information system Ulstein Com to the vessel.

Designed and built for operations in arctic waters, Polarcus Amani can operate in first-year ice of up to 1 meter thickness without the assistance of icebreakers. The entire vessel is ice-reinforced with thicker ribs and skin plates. She has de-icing and ice-preventing systems at critical tanks and pipelines, and propellers, gears and thrusters are dimensioned for withstanding operations in ice. Escape corridors and rescue equipment are also protected against icing during arctic operations.

Although 3D seismic acquisition will only take place in ice-free, or possibly bergy water conditions, the arctic qualities of the vessel enable it to move through ice on her way to and from the survey area, or to remain in icy areas waiting for the ice to clear, increasing the operational window of the vessel.

Polarcus Amani is a 3D 12-14 streamer seismic research vessel. The vessel has two workboats and a MOB boat on board. The seismic operation room is located midship over two decks in close vicinity to the seismic winches in the work area. The vessel is equipped with a helideck for added safety and to ensure an efficient crew change, and is built according to IMO code of safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS), enabling it to operate worldwide.

Polarcus Amani is built with a hotel compliment with permanent capacity for 60 persons in 32 single and 14 double cabins. There is a mess room which seats 43, day rooms, internet café, gym and sauna, as well as a hospital, offices and a conference room.

MAIN DIMENSIONS
Length over all approx. 92.0 m
Length bp. 84.96 m
Breadth molded 21.0 m
Depth to main deck 9.0 m
Max. draft 7.5 m
Design draft 6.5 m

TANK CAPACITIES
Fuel oil (MDO) 2030 m3
Fresh water 1032 m3
Ballast water/tech. fresh water 2170 m3
Lube oil 63 m3
Urea 289 m3

VESSEL CAPACITIES
Deadweight at max draft 4,472 t
Gross tonnage, international 7,709 GRT
Net tonnage, international 2313 NRT
Towing pull in seismic operation 82 t
Bollard pull > 125 t
Max speed (at d= 5.5 m) 17 knots

March 29, 2012