EGS Names RV ‘Geo Resolution’

The EGS management has gathered in Singapore to conduct the christening and blessing ceremony of the RV Geo Resolution, the latest addition to EGS’ fleet of deep water capable hydrographic and geophysical survey vessels.

The ceremony has taken place at the Sembawang Shipyard, where the vessel was equipped and readied for her forthcoming survey duties.

EGS purchased the 68m long RV Geo Resolution (formerly HMNZS Resolution) from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in October 2014. During her service in New Zealand, the vessel was the RNZN’s principal hydrographic survey ship conducting surveying and charting on behalf of the New Zealand Navy. Originally designed and constructed in Mississippi for the US Navy and named the USNS Tenacious it was the 17th of a Class of 18 Stalwart-Class surveillance ships.

The vessel was handed over to EGS on the 10th October 2014 and left Devonport Naval Base the same day for her voyage to Singapore.

The vessel arrived at the Sembawang shipyard on the 7th November. EGS subsequent conversion to a commercial hydrographic and geophysical survey vessel included the installation and commissioning of a full ocean depth multibeam system, state of the art USBL system and geophysical sensors to carry out surveys down to 2000m water depth. For in-situ geotechnical and burial assessment survey work, the geophysical equipment suite is complemented with gravity coring facilities and an MCPT system as part of her permanent shipfit. Furthermore, communication systems have been upgraded to include a V-Sat system to enable broadband internet connections and high speed ship-to shore data transfers.

EGS’ CEO, Chris Welsh, commented: “This was an unique opportunity for EGS to acquire a vessel which was purpose built as an acoustically very quiet survey platform, ideally suited in every way for the survey work we perform, in addition it was clear from when we first inspected the vessel that she had been extremely well maintained by the previous Navy owners. In particular we would like to thank the New Zealand Navy’s assistance during the purchase and transition to a commercial survey vessel. The RV Geo Resolution is a timely and perfect addition to EGS’ fleet. Now, remarkably, her first commercial contract is back in New Zealand where she will be sailing to commence survey work on a new submarine cable system linking New Zealand and Australia.”