With the goal of having the newest and most powerful seismic fleet in the industry, Dolphin Geophysical recently announced the launch of the Polar Empress, giving the company six high-capacity 3-D vessels as well as a 2-D vessel intended for Arctic exploration.

The vessel, currently at work on a multiclient survey in the Barents Sea, is a purpose-built vessel with the capacity to operate up to 22 streamers, a total installed engine capacity of 22,800 KW, a bollard pull of more than 275 tons and a top transit speed of more than 20 knots. In its current survey, the Maud Extension multiclient survey, it is pulling 14 streamers.

The vessel will deliver ultrawide tow, deep tow and long-offset configurations, enabling it to undertake exploration in frontier areas that were previously considered off-limits to exploration because of difficult sea states. It has been designed for speed, efficiency and endurance. The exceptional bollard pull enables safe and successful campaigns to be carried out in these areas. It also reduces risk for Dolphin personnel since the vessel can safely maneuver in rough conditions.

The Empress is equipped with WesternGeco Q-Marine streamers, providing single-sensor technology with wider towing configurations. According to WesternGeco, the Q-Marine point-receiver marine seismic system decodes the reservoir and provides detailed, repeatable reservoir descriptions. Q-Marine surveys have typically resulted in a 35% improvement in bandwidth and a 300% improvement in repeatability.

Like its sisters, the Empress moved from launch and sea trials to operational performance in two weeks.

Overall, the Dolphin fleet is focused on a new vessel design with advantages drawn from the expertise of the company’s technical and operations groups to deliver a package that will be able to work in deepwater basins around the world.

Vessel Facts:

Sector: Marine seismic

Owner: GC Rieber Shipping (on hire to Dolphin Geophysical)

Vessel Design: Purpose-built

Size (length) 112.6 m (369.4 ft)

Deadweight: 10,138 tons

Cruising Speed: 18 knots

Number of Streamers: 22

Operating Arena: Worldwide

Classification: DNV

Accommodation: 70 persons

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