#OilExploration – Polarcus Amani, claimed to be one of the most greenest seismic vessels in the world is to embark on one of the largest ever 3D seismic surveys offshore of Ireland reports Cork Harbour.ie
The ultra-modern, super high ice-class, 3D seismic vessel which visited Foynes last year has returned to Irish waters. She is a design from the Norwegian based Ulstein Group which has incorporated a wealth of environmental features on the vessel completed in 2012 which is to tow a seismic array behind of approximately 1.4 km width by 8 km length.
The focus of the survey is in the southern Porcupine Basin, where Polarcus will acquire a minimum area of 4,300 km2, providing coverage over Providence Resources' Drombeg exploration prospect and adjacent acreage on offer in the 2015 Atlantic Margin Oil and Gas Exploration Licensing Round.
As previouly reported on Afloat.ie, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. at the recent Our Ocean Wealth conference announced taxation provisions relating to petroleum exploration and production are to be revised upwards to provide for an increased financial return to the State from discoveries made under future exploration licences and licensing options.
Also reported on Afloat.ie, Cork Harbour is strategically placed as an exploration base for the oil and gas energy industry with potential resources within our territorial waters.
Existing facilities such as the ship repair and maintenance could be expanded to be part of this sector.
Since the foundation of the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) located in Ringaskiddy, the cluster is the epicentre in promoting Ireland as a world-renowned research centre to unlock our maritime and energy potential.
Highly-specialised vessels such as those from the Polarcus fleet can use the natural harbour as a base for loading supplies, equipment and take on bunkers, where tanker Mersey Spirit is also berthed today at Ringaskiddy deepwater berth.