Pointing the way ahead

摘要

Oslo-based Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) has set a new benchmark in seismic vessel design and performance with Ramform Sovereign, the first of its third-generation Ramform ships. While the unique, arrowhead-like hull form is the most visually distinguishing feature of the series, and pivotal to the key operational qualities that have given PGS an edge in an extremely demanding market, the technology and innovation encapsulated in the Ramform fleet has taken seismic acquisition to a new level. Claimed to be the most powerful seismic ship worldwide, Ramform Sovereign is 16m longer than previous Ramform vessels, with higher acquisition and transit speed, 25 greater endurance and 60 higher production capacity. It can deploy as many as 22 seismological streamers simultaneously, using larger paravanes, allowing a streamer spread width of 1,300m or more. This seventh addition to the PGS Ramform fleet also hosts a number of innovations, including the world's first roll-compensated helideck, steerable streamer source arrays, digital gun controllers and improved streamer acoustics, as well as an enhanced hull design and customised marine mammal observation decks.