Media
Fair sailing for EMGS as demand soars
Upstream
Oct 26, 2005
Norwegian seabed logging outfit EMGS has ordered a fifth vessel for its fleet amid surging demand for its services, writes Knut Evensen.
"We see a dramatic increase in demand for seabed logging," EMGS boss Terje Eidesmo said. "People are not only starting to see the potential in this technology, but also starting to use it. It has been accepted," Eidesmo added.
Seabed logging technology is also evolving rapidly. A year ago, 2300 to 2400 metres was regarded as the maximum depth for such work, but EMGS has now been able to interpret data down to 4000 metres.
"New receivers and upgraded sources, which are stronger and more accurate with regard to timing, have helped make this possible," Eidesmo said.
He added that the software for processing data is being improved continuously.
"I expect to see a development whereby we will be able to see deeper and retrieve images with higher resolution every year," Eidesmo said, although he would notbe drawn on the current maximum depth at which the technology is capable of working. "This number will have changed next year and people have a tendency to hang on to the figure instead of accepting that it is developing continuously," he added.
The company is expanding its activities and has ordered a custom-built seabed logging vessel. The new vessel is the fifth to join the EMGS fleet. It will be built at the Fosen Mekaniske Verksteder shipyard in Norway, with delivery due in the first half of 2008. EMGS will lease the ship from Taubaatkompaniet/BOA Group, which will remain owner of the vessel.
"Our policy is not to own the vessels ourselves," Eidesmo said. EMGS has an option to build a second vessel at the same yard.
"A purpose-built vessel (will) provide us with the perfect platform to develop and test further applications of the technology which we intend to introduce," he said.
