NORWEGIAN company Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) reports the successful launch of the world’s first purpose-built EM survey vessel in order to enhance hydrocarbon exploration across the world.
The new vessel, BOA Thalassa, was built by Bergen Group Fosen for BA Offshore, but will go on long-term contract to EMGS when completed.
Terje Eidesmo, EMGS’s CEO, said at the pre-Christmas launch: “This state-of-the-art vessel is a product of more than a decade of experience from more than 400 surveys and 120 vessel months across the world’s mature and frontier offshore basins.
“The introduction of this high-capacity vessel is a milestone for EMGS and our customers as it will lead the way in a new-generation technology – 3D EM surveying.
“EMGS is experiencing increasing demand for 3D EM surveys and this development coincides with the launch of this vessel and the recent introduction of our Clearplay services.”
EMGS’s survey capacity is substantially increased by the vessel’s ability to handle a record number of receivers. The BOA Thalassa carries 100 receivers and can double this figure.
Surveying efficiency and flexibility is increased by the vessel’s high speed, large fuel volume, extensive storage capacity, good fuel consumption and extended weather window.
EMGS says a fully integrated spare equipment set and a new advanced onboard processing system will enhance the quality and improve the delivery time for EM data.
However, there is a dark cloud hanging around as EMGS was forced to cut fleet capacity earlier this year because of deteriorating market conditions.
Moreover, UK rival Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping (OHM) said late-October that it was in the early stages of discussions that “may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company”.
Both companies have fallen victim to the financial and market forces that today besiege the global economy.
In EMGS’s case, the company’s fleet of five ships was reduced from five to three active units, while OHM complained that “combined” vessel-utilisation figures had become “unacceptably low” and that there was “overcapacity”. To whit, the UK firm’s two vessels have also spent time tied up.
EMGS has a further new-build in construction. BOA Galatea is due to join its fleet during Q2 this year.
Oceanteam has also been celebrating the christening of a new vessel, North Ocean 102. Built in Vigo, north-west Spain, this second vessel in Oceanteam’s 100 series will start working on a project-by-project basis for the Mexican offshore construction and IMR company, CICSA.
The vessel measures 137m overall length by 27m breadth. She is being kitted out with two 100-tonne cranes and a large moon pool and will be able to accommodate a crew of up to 199.
A third sister is expected later this year – the North Ocean 103. This vessel is already committed on long-term contract to subsea contracting major Technip. The eight-year charter will be for worldwide service.