Geotech company expands renewables fleet with PSV conversion

The new vessel, to be named Geoquip Silvretta, will be converted at a Norwegian yard into a geotechnical platform. The conversion is due to be completed early in 2025, and will see the ship fitted with Geoquip’s largest drilling rig, the GMTR150.

Once the upgrade is complete, Geoquip Silvretta will mobilise for a project in northern Europe, ready to tackle work in challenging metocean conditions.

Geoquip Marine, a Njord Partners company, said once the conversion of the MT6000 design PSV is compete, the drilling rig will enable it to work with a low carbon footprint and reduced fuel consumption “and will enable the vessel to conduct geotechnical site investigation projects in a range of sea states.”

The PSV to be converted was built as a DP2 vessel and no changes are planned to the propulsion, main components or machinery. However, the yard undertaking the work, Green Yard Kleven, will work with the vessel’s original designer, Marin Teknikk, to customise the interior, undertaking several upgrades including installing a moonpool, moving and adding cranes, extending the shelter deck, increasing office and meeting spaces and building a new accommodation block.

The vessel’s energy consumption will be reduced through the use of LED lighting and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that incorporate heat recovery. 

During the conversion, material removed from the vessel will be reused and recertified to minimise waste. Steel removed from the vessel when the moonpool is installed will be recycled locally. New components will be made using high-scrap-content European steel.

Geoquip Marine’s incoming chief executive Rune Olav Pedersen said, “Expanding our fleet with this new vessel, complete with a GMTR150 drilling rig, gives Geoquip even more capacity to deliver high-quality site investigations. 

“We are pleased to have awarded the conversion project to Green Yard, a full-service shipyard with sustainability high on their agenda. The Geoquip team can look forward to working on a vessel that will be purpose-designed for offshore site investigation, with new accommodation, ample office and meeting facilities and an offshore laboratory to gather fast and accurate data for clients.”

Njord Partners director Arvid Trolle said the addition of Geoquip Silvretta to the company’s fleet reflects “significant opportunities in a buoyant offshore market.” 

Mr Trolle said, “We are committed to investing for the long-term, with sustainable vessels at the core of Geoquip’s offering as the company continues to strengthen its position in the sector.”