Eidesvik has ordered two large, state-of-the-art seismic vessels of the type Ulstein SX120 from Ulstein Verft. The ships will be delivered in spring 2010. The contract’s total value is about $223.3m.
Eidesvik is known for innovation and a green profile. The ships that Eidesvik has ordered will be contracted by the world’s largest seismic company, the merged CGG-Veritas.
“The ships are gentle on both the external environment and the working environment onboard. We believe the Ulstein X-Bow’s smooth and gentle motion in heavy sea makes it highly suitable for seismic operations,†says Meling. “The bow also helps reduce fuel consumption, which means less pollution. The ships are classified as Clean Designs, meaning they have a double hull and control of operational emissions.â€
In oceanic seismic surveys, the sea bottom is examined with shock waves in the search for gas or oil reservoirs. The seismic ships are equipped with 20 streamer winches with 18 corresponding towing points, and the streamer winches detect signals from the seismic waves. The ships will be among the world’s largest of their kind, with a length 348 ft. and a maximum width of 91 ft.