Deepwater seismic vessel to deploy in South China Sea

Offshore staff

BEIJING -- China Oilfield Services (COSL) has taken delivery of a new 12-streamer seismic vessel COSL 720 from Shanghai Shipyard.

COSL 720 is the company’s first large-scale deepwater seismic vessel. It is designed to tow as many as 12 streamers, each 8,000 m (26,246 ft) long, with a transit speed of 16 knots and towing speed of 5 knots. COSL says this represents a 30% improvement on its existing seismic vessels, and should significantly reduce mob/demob time and increase operational efficiency.

The vessel is equipped with a new-generation seismic acquisition system, an integrated navigation system, and a lateral control system. Its diesel-electric propulsion should lead to reduced fuel consumption, vibration, and noise.

COSL 720 will begin operations in the South China Sea after completing tests of its geophysical equipment.

Another COSL-owned vessel, the semisubmersible drilling platform COSL Pioneer, arrived at the Keppel Shipyard dock in Sandnes, Norway, last week following a 100-day voyage from Yantai. This is the first drilling platform built in China and owned by COSL to enter the Norwegian sector.

After its arrival, COSL Pioneer underwent modifications requested by client Statoil. Installation of third-party equipment will follow, along with preparations for acceptance tests, with a view to putting the rig into operation as soon as possible.

04/26/2011