Oceanic Vega was named and delivered on 2 July. She is owned through a joint venture between shipowner, Eidesvik, and the geophysical company, CGGVeritas. “We are proud to deliver one of the most modern and advanced seismic research vessels in the world. We wish the owners all the best with their new vessel,” says managing director at Ulstein Verft, Karsten Sævik.
Eidesvik Offshore is recognized in the industry for its green initiatives and is a frontrunner in the development of environmentally sound ships. Commenting on the latest vessel to join its fleet, Jan Fredrik Meling, CEO at Eidesvik Offshore, stated: “Oceanic Vega meets strict environmental standards. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the ship reduces harmful atmospheric emissions and prevents oil discharge through its double hull construction. We are very satisfied with the X-BOW® vessel Viking Poseidon delivered by Ulstein in January. The ship operates smoothly with minimal vibrations and movements. This grants optimal vessel comfort, which is very important for the working conditions of our seafarers."
The Oceanic Vega is the first of two vessels of the SX120 type, designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions. It is a powerful seismic research vessel with a towing force of 140 tons during seismic operations. The vessel is ideally suited to acquisition of large 3D, 4D or high-resolution projects, utilizing a current streamer configuration of up 16 streamers separated by 100 metres or more. The vessel´s 20 streamer winches are each capable of spooling 9 kilometres of streamers.
Efficient
Carrying an ICE-C classification, the Oceanic Vega is able to operate in cold waters. The vessel is designed to stay permanently at sea, with five years´ docking intervals, and complies with the redundant propulsion notation from DNV. There are enough engines and generator sets to conduct maintenance at sea, and refuelling is carried out by dedicated support vessels. The vessel is equipped with straight shaft lines to the two CP propellers in a nozzle, each driven by two frequency converter-driven electric motors. This allows smooth speed control of around five knots during seismic acquisition. Two work boats will be used for maintenance of in-water equipment.
Working environment
Oceanic Vega complies with the Clean Design demands from DNV, and with the SPS requirements for up to 60 persons. There are 52 single cabins and only nine double cabins. The mess room, galley and the four dayrooms have large windows facing the sea to add comfort for the crew. The vessel is equipped with a helideck to facilitate an efficient crew change. The X-BOW® results in lower added resistance and smoother bow immergence. This leads to reduced operational disturbances or involuntary speed reduction.
Modern
The instrument room is located at the stern, with large windows facing the sea. It is placed directly over the seismic area, with a direct view of the streamer deck. A storage area above the instrument room is served by a gantry crane with a capacity of 2 x 7.5 tons. The two deck cranes, placed on C-deck mid-ship, have a capacity of 15 tons at 18 metres, and serve the storage and provision rooms.
Advanced control systems
Ulstein Power & Control has delivered a substantial amount of equipment for the vessel, such as the information and communication system ULSTEIN COM®, the navigation system ULSTEIN NAV, and the integrated automation system ULSTEIN IAS®, which is equipped with integrated modules, among them PMS (power management system) and monitoring of helideck.
Photo: Ulstein Group / Tony Hall
Glossary:
Seismic exploration: A geophysical method for investigating the Earth´s subsurface. Acquisition of seismic data involves the transmission of controlled acoustic energy into the Earth, and recording the energy that is reflected back from geologic boundaries in the subsurface. Processing these reflections produces a synthetic image of the geologic structure of the Earth's subsurface.
Streamer: Energy reflected from beneath the seafloor is detected by numerous 'hydrophones' contained inside long, neutrally buoyant 'streamers' - often almost 5 miles long - also towed behind the vessel.
High-resolution projects: The streamers are towed closer together.
Redundant propulsion: The propulsion systems are separated. If one system fails, a certain bollard pull is still maintained by using the other system.
CP = controllable pitch propellers.
Clean Design: Environmental requirements including reduced emissions of NOx, double hull and prevention of oil storage next to hull.
SPS code: SPS = Special purpose ships = requirements related to special vessels, which provide increased stability if hull damage occurs.
