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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
