Shearwater lands UK OBN acquisition contract

Norwegian seismic specialist Shearwater Geoservices has secured a significant ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition contract for the Jackdaw field in the UK North Sea. Awarded by Adura, a joint venture between energy giants Shell and Equinor, the project spans two months of intensive offshore operations. Shearwater will deploy its advanced seismic fleet to map complex subsea reservoirs, reinforcing its position as a global leader in high-end geophysical surveys and offshore energy exploration within the competitive UK continental shelf sector.

Operations in the North Sea require strict adherence to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, which governs the safety of navigation and the maintenance of high-standard bridge watchkeeping procedures during seismic surveys. Furthermore, compliance with MARPOL Annex VI regarding sulphur emission control areas is critical for vessels operating in UK waters. Classification society requirements, such as those set by DNV or Lloyd’s Register, ensure that specialized geophysical equipment remains integrated safely with the vessel’s power management and dynamic positioning systems.

This project presents specific operational demands for navigating officers and masters. These professionals must maintain precise station-keeping during node deployment and recovery, often requiring advanced proficiency in dynamic positioning (DP2 or DP3) systems. Navigating officers should focus on maintaining rigorous watchkeeping logs and ensuring constant communication with support vessels to avoid collision risks. Masters must ensure that all seismic equipment deployment protocols align with the vessel’s safety management system to guarantee compliance during these complex, high-stakes offshore maneuvers.