Eidesvik inks new seismic vessel

Eidesvik Offshore ASA and the Houston-based Veritas’ Viking Maritime Inc., subsidiary have entered into an agreement to charter a seismic research vessel which is to be newly constructed. The time charter is for a period of 8 years fixed, with options of up to 10 more years. When delivered from West Contractors yard in Olensvag, Norway, in February 2007, the vessel will be the seventh seismic vessel in the Veritas fleet, and the fourth to be owned and operated for Veritas by Eidesvik on worldwide seismic operations.

The vessel is 105 m long with an extended breadth of 24 m, and will have the capability of towing up to 12 long streamers. The gross tonnage is approximately 11,500 tonnes and the vessel will have accommodation for up to 70 persons. The vessel is owned by Eidesvik Shipping AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eidesvik Offshore ASA. The construction cost of the vessel, excluding seismic equipment, is $56 million.

The other three vessels on time charter contract to Veritas are “Veritas Viking”, “Veritas Viking II” and “Veritas Vantage”, delivered in 1998, 1999 and 2002 respectively. Eidesvik provide the maritime crews and all marine operations and management for the vessels, while Veritas provides all seismic-related aspects of the operations.

According to Richard Price, Veritas’ Senior Vice President, Marine Acquisition, “Veritas has been seeking an opportunity to extend its global marine acquisition capability, to meet the growing demand for our services, and we are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with Eidesvik for an additional vessel.”