It is estimated that marine seismic surveys represent about 1.5% of global E&P expenditure.

Developments in source and streamer technologies combined with continuing improvements in 3-D data processing and interpretation techniques are delivering increasingly accurate and reliable information for imaging the subsurface and mapping reservoir fluid movements.

Just more than two years ago WesternGeco embarked on a project to design and build a new sustainable and efficient marine seismic platform capable of supporting all of its present and potential technologies and acquisition techniques for at least the next 10 years while also optimizing operational performance.

Unlike all previous newbuilds in the seismic industry, which were based on existing hull designs unlikely to be optimal for the requirements of 3-D surveying, the company decided to design its new vessel completely from scratch. This clean-sheet approach was applied to the operational criteria, the hull, propulsion system and all the other vessel components.

While for most newbuilds the back deck and gun deck are designed to fit a hull, the Amazon project started with the seismic elements and followed with the design of a maritime platform that would best support them.

Safety features

The design features significant safety features, including deployment systems for the sources and the 18-streamer tow points being hands-free wherever possible. A built-in offshore gangway also avoids the need for small boat at-sea transfer of personnel, while the two workboats are designed for safe, efficient replacement of streamer sections.

The Amazon-class vessels—there are two—are designed to operate for at least 120 days before refueling.

Also, because seismic vessels spend about 80% of their time in production, the hull is designed to be stable and efficient at 5 knots (where a seismic vessel operates for about 90% of its life), although transit speed is estimated at 17 knots.

The vessel’s scale—it’s about 50% bigger than any of the owner’s current fleet—also provides a large, stable platform for operations in harsh weather conditions, while the bow design reduces slamming, helping to maintain streamer control (avoiding tugging) and reducing noise in the seismic data.

The propulsion system was designed to match the hull and includes independent, ergonomically designed port and starboard engine rooms.

Arctic-class

In common with all WesternGeco vessels, the vessel uses only marine gasoil and has reduced gas emissions with no overboard discharge. It also is designed to meet DNV CLEAN Class and CLEAN Design specifications and has ICE-1A class and winterization for Arctic operations to Polar Class 7.

The first Amazon-class vessel, the Amazon Warrior, was built in Flensburg, Germany, and began operations mid-2014.

Vessel Facts:

  • Sector: Seismic Survey
  • Owner: WesternGeco
  • Name: Amazon Warrior
  • Vessel Design: Amazon Class
  • Yard Built: Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, Germany
  • First Operations: Mid-2014
  • Size (length and beam): 126 m x 31 m (413 ft x 105 ft)
  • Gross Tonnage: 21,195
  • Top Speed: 17.5 knots
  • No. of Streamers: 18
  • Streamer Capacity: More than 200 km (124 miles)
  • Operating/Regional Arena: Worldwide, including Arctic
  • Classification: DNV GL
  • Notation: Meets DNV CLEAN Class and CLEAN Design specifications; ICE-1A class; Winterization for Arctic operations to Polar Class 7
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