The seismic research vessel Polarcus Naila in Cape Town.

SW Mikkelsen

First name: Polarcus Naila. A 14-streamer 3D seismic research vessel of the ULSTEIN SX124 design. The X-BOW combined with diesel-electric propulsion ensure excellent fuel consumption performance, sea-keeping and speed. Equipped with high-specification catalytic convertors, double hull and bilge water cleaning system.

Vessel Type
Design
Owned By
Shearwater GeoServices
Built By
Partner yard
Year
2010
IMO Number
9538098

Primary Specifications

Length
90.8 m
Beam
19 m
Dead weight
4000 tonnes
Speed (max)
15 kn
Accommodation
69 POB

Additional Data

Fuel oil
1650 cbm
Fresh water
1050 cbm
Ballast water
1900 cbm
Note: Specifications may have changed since the original completion date.
Classifications: DNV+1A1, ICE-C, COMF-V(3), HELDK, NAUT-AW, E0, SF, CleanDesign, DYNPOSAUTR

Ship history

Milestones

'Polarcus Naila' is the second of six seismic vessels constructed for Polarcus at Drydocks World - Dubai. The vessel is hull number 67 and was delivered on 24 February 2010. 
The vessel´s first commission was to work off West Africa.

In 2014, the vessel underwent a conversion in order to be classified as a Special Purpose Ship. Furthermore, the scope of work included Ballast Water Treatment installation.

2021: In April 2021, Shearwater GeoServices acquired all six Polarcus vessels. The Polarcus Naila has changed name to 'SW Mikkelsen'.

2022, 20 October: Shearwater GeoServices and WesternGeco will jointly perform a newly awarded ocean-bottom node (OBN) three-month survey in the US Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Shearwater will deploy the SW Gallien and SW Mikkelsen as source vessels for the project, in combination with ROV node deployment.

2023: Still active - IMO 9538098