The newest Geological Survey of Norway vessel is currently under construction at the Kewatec shipyard in Porvoo, Finland. Named Geologen, she’s destined for a life of study in Norwegian waters, and she’s now at the hull construction stage. She’s 24 metres long, 6 metres wide, and she’s equipped with a novel hybrid drive. Top speed is 18 knots.

Jari Ahoranta is the sales director at Kewatec. He says, “The e-Work 2390 Survey is a multi- purpose vessel built for marine research and training both in shallow archipelago waters as well as in open seas. The vessel consists of work deck areas, wet and dry laboratories, a walk-in freezer, large indoor storage spaces, tank rooms, engine rooms and a wide wheelhouse with a 360o view. The boat can be handled from 4 separate steering positions.

“The client wants to use her for tasks like geological surveys, acoustic positioning seismic surveys and echo sounding. Also, we’re installing an A-frame and winch for sampling directly from the seabed.”

These complex tasks mean she’s bristling with delicate and accurate measuring equipment, so she’s designed with an emphasis on low noise and vibration, high security and dynamic positioning.