Sanco selects shipyard for seismic vessel conversion 

Sanco Shipping has selected Norwegian shipyard Vard to convert A former PGS seismic research vessel into a source ship as it enhances its growing fleet.

Sanco contracted 107-m, 2010-built seismic research vessel PGS Apollo from Norwegian group TGS and renamed it Sanco Sailor, before tendering Norwegian shipyards for its conversion into a seismic source vessel.

Vard said the work scope for this project includes installing a dynamic positioning DP2 system, significant structural modifications, and upgrades to existing seismic equipment. These upgrades will enhance the vessel’s operational capabilities and support Sanco’s strengthened position in the seismic and offshore markets.

“We did an extensive tendering between Norwegian yards,” said Sanco Shipping chief technical officer Tommy Bøe. “Vard Langsten was the most competitive.”

Sanco Shipping is part of the Gjerdsvika, Norway-headquartered Sanco Group which owns and operates seven vessels within the maritime seismic segment. PGS Apollo was part of the PGS fleet when the company was acquired by rival Oslo-listed TGS in 2024.