Offshore vessel conversion under way

The NG Explorer is 58 metres long, 14 metres wide, and has a 4.5 metre draft, making it suitable for shallow water operations. Built in 2010 as an offshore vessel and recently used in aquaculture, the ship will now be adapted for offshore energy sector tasks, including geophysical, geotechnical, environmental and unexploded ordnance seabed investigations.

“We are proud to partner again with Next Geosolutions, a company that shares our commitment to sustainability,” said Hans Jørgen Fedog, chief executive of Green Yard Kleven.

“This project showcases how sustainable practices can extend vessel life while meeting industry demands.”

The conversion will include a new accommodation module to increase personnel capacity, meeting rooms, a control room and offices.

The ship will also be equipped with a launch and recovery system for remotely operated vehicles, an A-frame at the stern, and various deck equipment. Additionally, upgrades will allow the vessel to operate in high-temperature waters.

Sustainability is central to the project, with removed equipment being reused, repurposed or sold to minimise waste. Green Yard Kleven has previously converted the NG Explorer and is committed to extending the vessel’s lifespan, reflecting circular economy principles.

“We are convinced that Green Yard’s quality and delivery precision are critical to the success of this project, which is why we chose them as a partner,” said Attilio Ievoli, president of Next Geosolutions.

The vessel’s delivery is scheduled for the end of 2025, with Green Yard providing a turnkey service including design, engineering and reclassification.