Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has converted a fishing vessel into a seismic survey ship for Singapore-based company Nordic. The vessel, MV Pavlosk, is 62 m long with a breadth of 14 m, depth of 9.2 m and a draft of 5 m. It was converted seven days ahead of the schedule.
The major conversion jobs include installation of seismic compressors, gun shack and seismic store, fabrication and erection of a hanger deck, and installation of a sewage treatment plant. New fire and safety equipment were also installed. This apart, accommodation for a 40-member crew was upgraded and new cranes installed.
The contract for the project was signed in April 2008 and the ship arrived at the yard in May. According to the agreement, the scheduled date of completion was Dec 24, 2008, but the entire work was completed by Dec 17, a CSL release said.
The order was a strategic one for CSL as conversion of ships into seismic vessels is on the rise due to the volatile oil price and renewed interest in oil exploration. According to latest reports, there had been a 10-fold increase in conversion of ships into seismic vessels in 2008 compared with the previous year.
These vessels are used for offshore surveys that provide an image of the seabed and geological structure. It is easier for the drilling companies to decide where to drill for oil and gas, based on the seismic information available through the survey ship.
SKA Marine of Chennai provided the conversion design and assisted CSL in completing the work, the release added.