The marine geophysical company Polarcus has taken delivery of its seventh advanced seismic vessel, the Ulstein-built Polarcus Amani. Designed and built for operations in Arctic waters, the 17-knot X-Bow newbuilding carries the ICE-1A* and Winterized Basic notations from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and can operate in first-year ice of up to a metre thickness without the assistance of icebreakers.
In addition, the 92m by 21m vessel has de-icing and ice-preventing systems at critical tanks and pipelines, while propellers, gears and thrusters have been dimensioned for withstanding operations in heavy ice. Although 3D seismic acquisition will only take place in ice-free water conditions, the arctic qualities of the vessel enable it to move through ice on its way to and from the survey area, or remain in icy areas waiting for the ice to clear, thus increasing the operational window of the ship. Accommodation has been provided for 60 persons in 32 single and 14 double cabins with a large mess room and several day rooms.
