Argeo Searcher and SeaRaptors will be deployed in the North Atlantic in January 2023 (source: Argeo)
The award involves conversion of former seismic survey vessel Argeo Searcher to allow it to deploy two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for seabed mineral surveys in the North Atlantic
Norwegian start-up Argeo has won its first contract for offshore survey work as part of an ultra-deepwater project.
Argeo said the project is scheduled to commence in January 2023 and run for a duration of three to four weeks, directly after conversion work on Argeo Searcher has finished. The company said there is potential to extend the survey further into Q1 2023.
“We are very excited that our first Subsea vessel, Argeo Searcher, fully equipped with both our high-tech SeaRaptors (AUVs) is going straight into commercial operations having completed a rigorous conversion and shakedown programme beforehand,” said Argeo chief executive Trond Crantz.
Argeo will retain display and marketing rights for the data and present the results using its digital visualisation platform, Argeo Scope.
“This project requires ultra-deepwater vehicles to get the job done and will take the SeaRaptor near to the very limits of its build specification and make use of all the high-quality sensors integrated into the vehicle,” said Mr Crantz.
“The project will provide high resolution environmental and potential marine mineral resource assessment in addition to an advanced dual-AUV operation.”
Argeo signed a five-year bareboat contract for Argeo Searcher in October, with an option to purchase the vessel for US$2M after 12 months and US$1M after 27 months. It anticipates receiving the vessel on 10 December 2022, after the conversion programme has completed.
Argeo has four high specification AUVs and support systems, which can be strategically placed in Argeo’s main geo-survey markets for rapid deployment.
All data collected is processed onboard the AUV using onboard post-processing and mosaicking software to enable quick turnaround during missions.
Argeo Searcher (former Ocean Pearl) was built in 2001 as a cable laying vessel and was converted to an ocean-bottom-node seismic vessel in 2006.
The ICE 1A1 class vessel has dynamic positioning to DP2 class and had its five-year class renewal survey in Q1 2022.
Mr Crantz expects the company will gain more contracts for their survey vessel, its growing fleet of AUVs and potentially for remotely operated vehicles during 2023.
“There is a lot of activity in all geomarkets we have presence in,” he said. “The offshore energy sector continues its strong development and remains our biggest focus over the next two years,” Mr Crantz continued.
“Also, the deepsea mineral market is showing very positive dynamics and may challenge for utilisation from 2023 onwards.”
