Unusual objects. Seismic vessel. Offshore exploration vessels of the Ramform type Engine room of a seismic vessel Vyacheslav Tikhonov

the seagoing vessel "Ramform Sterling" is the newest creation of shipbuilders

Before drilling an oil well or producing gas under the water column, it is necessary to locate their deposits and conduct a thorough analysis of the area to determine the quantity and quality of resources. There are several ways of technical exploration of deposits valuable for humanity "black gold" and "blue fuel". One of the exploration methods is a method that is called seismological exploration, the implementation of which is possible thanks to seismological survey vessels . Sea vesselsexploration of deposits has become widespread due to the constantly growing demand for minerals. Special sea \u200b\u200bvessels are operated to collect underwater seismic data that provide a detailed study of the observed area. $ CUT $

Offshore exploration is carried out on an average surface area of \u200b\u200b1,500 sq. km. After the analysis is completed, drilling begins in the area.

Perhaps the most popular underwater exploration ships were sea \u200b\u200bvessels, developed for the oil drilling and gas industry, called " Ramform". These, in addition to the unusual and amazing design, have a lot of effective advantages. A characteristic feature is the minimal noise that the ship emits. This allows you to conduct research with a clearer diagram and closely monitor the movements of the layers of the earth's crust. Wide feed sea \u200b\u200bvessels seismic survey provides an extremely stable and safe platform on which virtually all geophysical equipment is concentrated. From the back of the case special vessel stretch on average about 10 streamers over a distance of up to 9500 meters. The ship continues to tow them at a certain speed. While driving sea \u200b\u200bvessel does not make sudden jolts, and due to the design of the hull, pitching at sea is reduced, which also affects the accuracy of data acquisition. Streamers are released into the water, unwinding from huge winches in a certain sequence, in the sea they must be at a certain distance from each other. There are about 24,000 microphones on the streamers. Sea shipregisters sound vibrations received from them. The obtained data is processed on special equipment and displayed on monitors in two-or three-dimensional images and received the corresponding category 2D and HD3D. This method of offshore exploration and technology makes it possible to confirm the presence of minerals in an oil or gas field.

first generation Ramform ships

this is how field exploration is carried out

towing streamers

Series of six sea \u200b\u200bvessels for seismic exploration was built at the shipyards "". They are designed to tow 8 to 20 streamers. On board special sea \u200b\u200bvessels installed high-tech equipment for offshore exploration.

sea \u200b\u200bvessel "Ramform Explorer"

Seismic vessel "Ramform Explorer" launched in 1995. It became the first in history " Ramform". The seagoing vessel allows towing up to 8 streamers with a thickness of 70 mm each, and provides a survey of an area of \u200b\u200bup to 1000 square meters. Navigation equipment includes an autopilot, gyrocompass, and radar.

Technical data of the seismic survey vessel "Ramform Explorer":
Length - 82 m;
Width - 39 m;
Draft - 6m;
Displacement - 9874 tons;
Bergen»;
Speed \u200b\u200b- 12 knots;
Crew - 46 people;

sea \u200b\u200bvessel "Ramform Challenger"

Then the ship was built " Ramform Chalendger " in 1996. This sea transport allows you to explore 2000 sq. km., which is twice the capabilities of its predecessor. Sea shipit is equipped with two Azipod propellers and can tow up to 16 guy wires up to 4 kilometers long.

Technical data of the seismic survey vessel "Ramform Challenger":
Length - 86 m;
Width - 39.2 m;
Draft - 7.3 m;
Displacement - 9700 tons;
Crew - 60 people;
Speed \u200b\u200b- 14 knots;

sea-going vessels of the type " Ramform Valiant "second generation

Triangular shape sea \u200b\u200bvessel « Ramform valiant» people saw in 1998. This outstanding ship has set the world record for sea surface exploration, which has not yet been broken. In 1998 in one day sea \u200b\u200bvesselseismic exploration " Ramform Valiant " received data from 111 sq. kilometers.

sea \u200b\u200bvessel "Ramform Victory"

Ramform Viking at the pier

exploration vessel "Ramform Sovereign"

The latest in a series of first and second generation reconnaissance sea \u200b\u200bvesselsbecame " Ramform Sovereign". Company " PGS»Received the ship in 2005. Equipment of the company " Kongsberg».

aft part of the sea vessel "RAMFORM"

Technical data of the seismic survey vessel "Ramform Sovereign":
Length - 102 m;
Width - 40 m;
Draft - 7.3 m;
Displacement - 15086 tons;
Marine power plant - diesel engine " Bergen»;
Speed \u200b\u200b- 16 knots;
Crew - 70 people;

sea-going vessels of the "RAMFORM VANGUARD" type of the third generation

In the same year, the company “ Petroleum Geo-Services»Announced the construction of the third generation sea \u200b\u200bvessels... They have a completely different class of technical equipment. Sea ship« Ramform Vangourd”Was launched in 2008. All the same V-shaped hull remained, as it provides stability to the ship. Sea shipreceived 22 guy wires and other state-of-the-art equipment for field exploration. The transport is driven by three Azipod engines, each with a capacity of 3808 hp. s., besides this, there is a small power plant on board the ship, which generates 11 MW and does not need frequent maintenance. This electricity is sufficient for the operation of all reconnaissance equipment, as well as an electric motor, deck crane, winches and ship lighting.

The motor is assisted by a dynamic positioning system. On board the vessel there is a probe, an echo sounder, a gyrocompass and a radar station operating in various bands, several types of antennas, satellite communications " Inmarsat». Sea ship fully automated, providing a great opportunity for engineers to work. Significantly reduced noise, which made it possible to increase the accuracy of the data obtained and become a leader in the competition.

exploration vessel "Ramform Viking"

Developing offshore geophysical company " Polarcus"Decided to build two reconnaissance sea \u200b\u200bvessels like " SX133". These sea \u200b\u200bvessels will be equipped with a complete set of equipment for seismic exploration. Their construction is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2009 at the Dubai shipyard.

On sea \u200b\u200bvessels a new data processing algorithm using HD4D technology is used. This analysis program is based on “ Microsoft Windows»And is designed to edit exploration data, adjust it, analyze and provide images that are used by geologists, engineers involved in the assessment and development of oil and gas fields. Substantial upgrades will be carried out to improve the performance of the marine equipment. The sea vessel will become a key one in the implementation of the company's strategic program “ PGS».

Oil company clients demand accurate imaging and production studies. The HD3D strategy meets these requirements. Data processing speed will increase by 8 times. More streamers are needed for this method to be effective. Third generation sea \u200b\u200bvessels has that capability in its arsenal. are an important step in the context of the renewal of seismic vessels. In this area, they cannot boast of sufficient funding over the past years. Therefore, engineers are forced to use what is already there and carry out modernization. The PGS company assures that sea \u200b\u200bvessels will be the largest and most expensive in seismic history. The vessel will tow up to 26 streamers on an area of \u200b\u200b95,000 sq. m.

Revolutionary platform « Ramform» is one example of how an innovative idea became a necessity in the oil and gas industry. Seismological allow to directly increase the production of "black gold" and "blue fuel" up to 60 percent, as well as improve the production of oil and gas from already developed fields.

I didn’t think, I didn’t guess, but I had a chance to visit a seismic vessel and slightly lift the curtain over what and how they do. All the same, this area remained terra incognita for me, but I learned something (according to seismology, I can be mistaken in details, I ask you not to hit hard, but correct if anyone is in the subject).

Dynamite was originally the sound source for marine seismic research. In view of its obvious danger, pneumatic guns were later used as a source.

The accumulation of seismic data is a mapping of an underwater structure in an ongoing search for hydrocarbons.
At first, the data form was two-dimensional. The data was obtained using a single hose streamer (or simply an oblique, it is a streamer, from the English "streamer") and one signal source.

Later, a new method was developed for 3D mapping. To do this, they strive to install as many streamers as possible, to cover a large area as much as possible. The considered vessel "Vyacheslav Tikhonov" has 8 streamers for data acquisition (this is not the maximum number, there are vessels with a large number of streamers).

The acquisition method can be compared to a very large echo sounder. The sound signal is sent down to the seabed by the airgun, and then the towed cable picks up the echoes, which are recorded.

This is what a ship looks like with released seismic equipment.

The length of one spit on the vessel "Vyacheslav Tikhonov" is 6,000 meters long (namely meters, not cable and other marine units).
Putting the streamers into working condition and sampling them at the end of the measurements is not a quick matter, it takes several days. At the same time, as during measurements, the vessel must follow a strictly defined cusp at a fixed speed (in this mode, the operating speed is about 5 knots). Because it is quite difficult and tiring for a person to maintain a course and speed so clearly, the vessel is equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DP), which allows you to perform this task automatically. Navigators mainly monitor the navigation situation, establish communication with ships to ensure safe separation, etc. The turning radius in gauge mode is a few miles so that the streamers do not get confused. The ship's heading command is given from the seismological laboratory on the ship.

Also, to ensure a safe divergence with other vessels, to prevent them from damaging the towed streamers (by the way, the cost of one streamer with all the equipment is about $ 2 million) and other auxiliary tasks, two tracking vessels work in tandem with the vessel (in English - chase boats). There is also one support vessel for the delivery of supplies and crew, for bunkering and other auxiliary tasks. For the successful fulfillment of these tasks, the research vessel must keep reliable and constant communication with the tracking vessels, inform them in a timely manner about its plans.

As mentioned above, turning in metering mode is a rather difficult task. With a distance between the outer streamers of 800 meters, the turning radius should be at least 4,000 meters, increasing to 5,000 meters in bad weather. When turning with a radius of 5 km, the turning speed should be 3 degrees per minute. It should be noted that the trajectory of the turn is strongly influenced by weather conditions and the state of the sea. When turning, the navigators are guided by the position of the paravans - towed streamer deflectors.

On the right in the photo you can see the diverter (baravan, paravane), in the first photo you can see it fixed on board.

In the measurement mode, it is necessary to monitor other vessels and ask them to leave the area, not only because of the threat of collision or damage to streamers. When another vessel, especially a large one, passes close by, the quality of measurements is lost, because the integrity of the sound source is violated. Therefore, if it is not possible to agree with another vessel for some reason about the divergence at a long distance, then it is advisable to disperse closer and faster. Because the measurements will still be violated, and it is necessary to minimize the contact time in order to save time for measurements.
It was noted that when passing through offshore terminals where large tankers with a dynamic positioning system are loaded, even at a distance of 12 miles, measurements will be virtually destroyed, and it will be necessary to make a second call when the tanker leaves the berth.

If there is another seismological vessel in the area, then its work can affect the operation of our vessel at a distance of about 80 miles. Therefore, in such cases, in order not to interfere with each other's work, they agree on a measurement schedule. For example, there were cases when 8 vessels were operating simultaneously in the North Sea.

According to the project developer, Ulstein, the ship's hull shape, patented as the Ulstein X-Bow, together with the diesel-electric propulsion system, provides exceptional efficiency in terms of fuel consumption, seaworthiness and speed. However, despite the commercial on youtube (a comparative race of two ships in stormy conditions), the application of the concept specifically here does not seem entirely justified. I proceed from a purely practical assessment and my own vision, especially IMHO. Namely: my very meager knowledge of hull hydrodynamics tells me that the contours will work at speeds close to full, but anyway above average. The operating speed of this vessel in the measurement mode (the main purpose of the vessel) is 4-5 knots.
During my presence on board, with a speed of 4.5 knots, it was rather unpleasantly swayed up to 5 degrees of roll, with very light sea waves and a wind of 7 m / s. The crew, however, said that when working in the profile (taking measurements), with the equipment overboard, the wave hit the nose from below with the throwing of this very nose, with all the "ensuing" consequences for the least sea-resistant crew members.

The propeller unit includes two variable pitch propellers (CPP). Each propeller is driven by a 4,800 kW asynchronous motor controlled by a water-cooled frequency converter. The transmission of rotation to the screw is carried out through a gearbox.

The vessel is equipped with bow and stern tunnel thrusters, as well as a retractable azimuth thruster (Compass Thruster) in the bow.

The vessel is 84 m long, 17 m wide, maximum draft 6 m.Deadweight at maximum draft is 2,250 tons.
According to the specification, the boat speed with a 100% load on each propeller, with a clean hull and calm water, should be approximately 18.5 knots.

The support vessel is performing a rendezvous maneuver.

The support vessel is moored for bunkering operations on the move.

As soon as I choose a free minute to make out the photos, I will take a photo tour of the ship.

Note. These photographs were obtained from the crew.

The Seismic Survey Ship is the world's best seismic survey vessel. Length 104.2 m, width 70 m aft, displacement 8000 tons, speed 16 knots, has 24 winches with cables with a total length of 12 km. It tows several hundred thousand electronic sensors covering an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 12 square kilometers. Crew of 80 people Built in Japan at Mitsubishi Nagasaki shipyard.

In 2012, the Norwegian seismic company Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) placed an order for the construction of two W-class Ramform vessels from the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The vessels are representatives of the new, or rather, the fifth generation of the Ramform series.

The SSS Ramform is the most powerful and efficient marine seismic vessel ever. They are also the widest.

These vessels bring together advanced marine technology and GeoStreamer marine seismic capabilities. The entire stern of the 70 m wide vessel is occupied by 24 drums with seismic streamers. 16 of them are located on the same line, and 8 more are slightly ahead. Larger workspace and advanced equipment make ship-based operations safer and more functional.

For PGS and its customers, faster deployment and retrieval of equipment and extended stay at sea mean faster completion of seismic operations and increased uptime in adverse weather conditions. The period between visits to the shipyard for repairs has also been increased by 50%.

The vessel carries over 6 thousand tons of fuel and equipment. As a rule, it tows a network of several hundred thousand seismic sensors, covering an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 12 square meters. km, which is equivalent to 1,500 football fields or three and a half Central Parks in New York.

SSS Ramform ships provide a safe and comfortable living and working environment for 80 crew members. There are 60 single cabins on board, as well as 10 double visitor cabins with separate bathrooms.

The "Ramform" type is characterized by an unusual deltoid hull in plan with a wide stern. The first vessel of this type was the Marjata long-range hydroacoustic observation vessel, built for the Norwegian Navy back in the 90s. The engineering staff from PGS notes the high level of seismic data collection of such a vessel, which is ensured precisely by the deltoid hull shape. The ships sail under the Flag of the Bahamas.

John Erik Reinhardsen, President and CEO of PGS, commented: “The SSS Ramform Titan is taking seismic exploration to the next level. We have combined the most advanced technology with the most powerful and efficient vessel in the industry. SSS Ramform Titan will add to our fleet and further strengthen the company's position in the market, giving us an edge over the next 10 years. "

High-resolution seismic surveys are increasingly in demand due to the intense growth of the deepwater drilling industry, especially in challenging areas such as Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

Then of course you notice a huge difference compared to the merchant marine. The difference is both in salary and contract duration, and in work. Often these are 6 watches every 6 hours. It's hard for someone, someone is no stranger to it. But almost everyone agrees that it's worth it. From myself, I can say that you are getting tired. After all, there are duties that are done outside the watch.

The offshore vessels I work with now are called seismic (or scientists).

What is seismic? These are ships that are busy collecting all kinds of information at sea. For example, by collecting information on the presence of oil or gas deposits in a certain area. These ships pull cables that can be up to 7 miles long. It is difficult to say how many of these cables a ship can pull at the same time, but there are already ships for 14 cables. This is an expensive piece of equipment that is etched in a special way so that the cables do not become entangled.

The main part of the cable is under water, so it is difficult to say that there is anything behind the seismic at all. The only thing that indicates the length of the cable is the tail buoy. But you must admit that at a distance of 7 miles, who knows what is blinking there. Therefore, you have to keep track of all the ships.

A seismic vessel usually does not work alone, but in a convoy. Those. there are other offshore vessels that are only engaged in ensuring the safety and security of seismic.The task of such vessels is to comply with seismic instructions. They usually go ahead, making sure that there are no nets or some kind of floating objects on the path of the seismic. They also drive away fishermen and warn other vessels about seismic operations in the area. Additionally, they can change the crew, transfer food or supplies.

Those. if you are on a merchant ship and everything is calm around, you do not bother anyone, and someone has a covenant for you for 18-20 miles. Know that they are like this offshore vessels and, most likely, seismic operations are taking place in the area. So, for sure you received Navarea, which indicates the boundaries of the area and all the details. In any case, you will be reminded and asked not to approach the seismic and cables closer than three miles, as large vessels create noise and this interferes with the reading of information.

From myself, I can say that I am happy that I got offshore. Offshore vessels are different. It's not harder to work there, it's not easier. The work is completely different compared to the merchant marine. But the work is interesting. Everyone understands that big money doesn't just pay. Getting offshore is not easy. You need to be a good specialist and have luck. I wish that you are always lucky, wherever you are.

DNV, in consultation with leading companies such as WesternGeco, PGS and Fugro-Geoteam, has developed a new seismic vessel classification. At the heart of the new specification was the need for space for standby equipment and adequate placement of equipment on deck to ensure continuous operation without loss of speed. Seismic vessels use advanced computer technology to locate resources under the seabed and are a key link in the chain leading to subsequent offshore development. Any delays in the vessel's movement could complicate the seismic data processing, DNV said. It is imperative to achieve business continuity to avoid any downtime. Given the high cost of seismic streamers used at sea, unexpected speed loss can lead to serious consequences such as cable damage, which can disrupt seismic operations.

The new requirements are related to increasing the availability of vessels during important stages of seismic operations. DNV consulted not only with shipowners, but also with seismic and high pressure equipment suppliers to address any issues that may arise in the present and future.

Maintaining tractive power is a key issue. That is why the DNV classification is based on the reservation of one stage of propulsion power, so that any breakdown on board does not lead to a loss of more than 50% of reliability. This is enough to maintain a minimum speed of several knots and to protect the expensive submarine guns and streamers used.

Typically, seismic vessels operate continuously for many months without entering a port. The classification requires equipment to be placed on deck in such a way as to facilitate transportation by the crew and to be replaceable from the supply vessel. In addition, the new classification establishes requirements for the location of the bridge to provide a good view of streamers and any boats approaching during normal ship operations. This classification also takes into account high pressure systems to ensure safe crew work on deck.

The new classification was published this summer and has strengthened DNV's position in the seismic vessel classification market as the industry focuses more and more on deep sea exploration. Jan Kvålsvold, Director of Market Expansion and Business Development, said: “DNV has a large share of this market. Almost every second vessel is DNV classified. The introduction of the new classification will enable owners working in this high-tech segment of specialized vessels to meet future needs with maximum safety and reliability. ”