Argeo Venture
Argeo Venture (former Polarcus Nadia) is a 12-streamer 3D research survey vessel of the ULSTEIN SX124 design. The X-BOW, combined with diesel-electric propulsion, ensures excellent fuel consumption, seakeeping, and speed performance. It is equipped with high-specification catalytic convertors, a double hull, and a bilge water cleaning system.
Primary Specifications
Additional Data
Ship history
Ship history
2009: 'Polarcus Nadia' (IMO 9538086) was the first of six seismic research vessels constructed for Polarcus at Drydocks World - Dubai. The vessel was design project number U10321, yard number 66, and delivered in December 2009.
The vessel´s first commission was to work off Liberia. The first survey was acquired with a 10-streamer seismic array, each streamer being 7,200 metres long and with a 100-metre separation between streamers.
"My experience is that the most complete and most knowledgeable environment in seismology and the offshore industry is in Norway," said Polarcus director Peter Zickerman on the occasion of the vessel's delivery. "The North Sea oil activity is conducted in harsh weather and under strict health, environment, and safety standards. These challenges have given both crews and suppliers of ships and equipment invaluable experience."
"I've followed the development of the X-BOW® since the concept was launched and have always thought it interesting and an improvement on traditional ship designs. There was little innovation in ship design for a long time, but here came along something entirely new. When we started working on our project, we visited the Ulstein Group and met the design environment there. We spoke with crew members and the management at Bourbon Offshore Norway, who have had good results with their X-BOW vessel. We were then convinced this would be a good design for us, particularly with regard to the environment. It is very important that the crew have good, safe working conditions, and we believe this design will be an important contribution towards that end," said Zickerman.
2021: In April 2021, Shearwater GeoServices acquired all six Polarcus vessels. The Polarcus Nadia was later renamed SW Bell.
2023: In Q4, the SW Bell was sold to Argeo Survey AS, and the vessel was renamed Argeo Venture. Argeo conducts underwater surveys and inspections and collects data using surface and underwater solutions. This is done, among other things, by using autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with sensors and advanced digital imaging technology. When acquiring the Argeo Venture, the company entered into a partnership with Shearwater.
2024: In March, Argeo announced a contract for a nine-month job off the coast of Africa. The Argeo Venture and the remotely operated underwater vehicle Hugin Superior will perform the work.