Norway’s Ulstein yard at Ulsteinvik has delivered its latest X-bow vessel, the seismic research ship Oceanic Sirius, to a joint venture consisting of Eidesvik and CGGVeritas. Like her sister Oceanic Vega, delivered in July 2010, Oceanic Sirius was designed and built in accordance with strict environmental standards and has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced seismic research operations. The SX120 type vessel was designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions, and her 20 streamer winches are each capable of spooling nine kilometres of streamers.
The ship has also been built to operate in ice conditions. She has been designed to stay permanently at sea, with five-year drydocking intervals. During such a long deployment, two work boats will be used for maintenance of in-water equipment, while there are enough engines and generators on board to conduct vessel maintenance at sea. Refuelling will be carried out by dedicated support vessels. For enhanced slow-speed work, the ship is equipped with two CP (controllable pitch) propellers set in nozzles. This allows exceptionally smooth speed control of around five knots during seismic acquisition. Accommodation for up to 70 persons is provided by 52 single cabins.
