VESSEL REVIEW | Geologen – Norwegian operator acquires hybrid survey workboat

Photo: Kewatec Aluboat
Photo: Kewatec Aluboat
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The Geological Survey of Norway (Norges Geologiske Undersøkelse; NGU) recently took delivery of a hybrid-powered workboat from Finnish builder Kewatec Aluboat.

Geologen will help provide the NGU with critical geological data throughout its service life. Measuring 23.9 by six metres, the vessel has been built for research purposes and will be used to map and study geological details on the seabed. The vessel is equipped to conduct highly accurate surveys of the seabed of Norwegian fjords and the country's coastal zone covering depths of as much as 1,300 metres.

<em>Photo: Kewatec Aluboat</em>
Photo: Kewatec Aluboat

The key survey equipment consists of two multi-beam echosounders, a sub-bottom profiler, and seismic equipment to map the seabed and the geology beneath it. Geologen also has a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which will be used to study the seabed in even greater detail. The ROV can be operated with the help of an A-frame on the aft deck while the workboat's own dynamic positioning capability allows it to monitor the ROV's movements underwater.

<em>Photo: Kewatec Aluboat</em>
Photo: Kewatec Aluboat

The hybrid propulsion arrangement includes two Yanmar 6AYEM-GTWS 670kW IMO Tier III diesel engines and two 200kW electric motors driving controllable-pitch propellers housed in tunnels. This configuration delivers a maximum speed of just under 20 knots while electric-only sailings for up to four hours are possible at a speed of five knots. The gearbox also features an electric motor PTI

The boat will be using diesel engines for transits to and from work sites. When performing surveys, the ship can be operated using electric power only. The electric drives help reduce environmental impact and minimise any noise and vibrations, allowing the crew to collect more accurate survey data.

<em>Photo: Kewatec Aluboat</em>
Photo: Kewatec Aluboat

Onboard facilities include four cabins for the two crewmembers and seven additional personnel, a galley, wet and dry laboratories where samples can be examined, a storage room, a walk-in freezer, and a day room. The spacious wheelhouse meanwhile provides a full 360-degree view. Operation of the vessel can be done from any one of four separate steering positions to allow for more precise manoeuvring while at work sites.

<em>Photo: Kewatec Aluboat</em>
Photo: Kewatec Aluboat
Geologen
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of vessel:Research/survey vessel
Flag:Norway
Owner:Geological Survey of Norway
Builder:Kewatec Aluboat, Finland
Hull construction material:Aluminium
Superstructure construction material:Aluminium
Deck construction material:Aluminium
Length overall:23.9 metres
Beam:6.0 metres
Draught:1.2 metres
Main engines:2 x Yanmar 6AYEM-GTWS, each 670 kW
Propulsion:2 x 200 kW; 2 x controllable-pitch propellers
Maximum speed:20 knots
Other electronics:Sub-bottom profiler
Other deck equipment:A-frame
Type of fuel:Diesel
Accommodation:4 x cabins; galley; laboratories; storage room; day room
Crew:2
Passengers:7
Operational area:Norway

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