Twentieth X-Bow Ready to Sail

X-BOW vessel number 20, ‘Polarcus Alima', was delivered to shipowner Polarcus on 21st March 2011. The vessel is of the SX134 design from ULSTEIN, and is the fifth 3D seismic vessel to join the Polarcus fleet. 'Polarcus Alima' is the sister vessel to ‘Polarcus Asima' delivered in August 2010. ‘Polarcus Alima' was constructed at DWD (Dubai), and according to the shipowner the vessel wil soon be ready to commence her first contract in India.

In 2008 Polarcus ordered a total of six ULSTEIN-designed seismic vessels for construction in Dubai. The vessel is prepared for Arctic operations, equipped with twelve streamers. The overall length is 92 metres and the beam is 21metres. The vessel has diesel-electric propulsion, double hull, and advanced ballast water treatment, and carries the DNV CLEAN-DESIGN class notation. Polarcus Alima has a maximum speed of 15 knots and is capable of deploying twelve streamers of 9,000m length at 100m separation.

Ships with the ULSTEIN X-BOW design have smoother acceleration and motion, resulting in more stable towing power and thus a more even load on the seismic equipment being towed aft. By the same token, such ships provide a steadier and safer working platform for the deck crew.