We are pleased to announce that the major conversion project for the specialized survey vessel NG EXPLORER is now entering its final phase. Executed at the renowned Norwegian shipyard Green Yard Kleven for Next Geosolutions (NextGeo), the project saw Nelton deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end engineering package to transform the vessel into a state-of-the-art offshore survey platform.
As the global demand for offshore renewable energy, submarine cable installations, and subsea infrastructure continues to surge, converting and upgrading existing high-spec vessels remains one of the most efficient ways to bring advanced capability to the market. The conversion of NG EXPLORER is a prime example of this approach, combining sustainable vessel life-extension with cutting-edge marine technology.
About NG EXPLORER: A High-Spec Subsea & Survey Asset
Originally designed as a versatile offshore vessel, NG EXPLORER is undergoing an extensive transformation to meet the strict technical requirements of Next Geosolutions (NextGeo), a leading international marine survey and subsea contractor.
Once delivered, the upgraded vessel will be one of the most capable DP2 multi-purpose survey platforms in its class, engineered for complex geophysical, geotechnical, and environmental subsea campaigns worldwide.
Key Characteristics & Capabilities of the Converted Vessel:
- Dynamic Positioning (DP2): Ensures precise station-keeping during delicate subsea survey operations, ROV deployments, and seabed sampling in challenging sea conditions.
- Versatile Deck & Layout: Optimized deck space designed to accommodate specialized survey equipment, including A-frames, side-scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
- Geotechnical & Geophysical Readiness: Outfitted to support deep-water seabed mapping, cable route surveys, and geotechnical drilling/sampling for offshore wind farm developments.
- High-Standard Accommodation: Provides modern, comfortable living quarters and advanced data-processing control rooms for a large team of marine crew and specialized survey technicians.
- Environmental & Operational Efficiency: Modernized onboard systems designed to optimize fuel consumption and minimize environmental impact during extended offshore missions.
Nelton’s End-to-End Engineering Scope
Complex conversion projects demand rigorous engineering to ensure that structural modifications and new equipment weight distributions do not compromise vessel safety or compliance.
Nelton’s naval architecture and design team provided full engineering support throughout every phase of the project, including:
- Developing initial conversion concepts to align NextGeo's operational requirements with class and flag state regulations.
- Structural Strength & Modification Analysis: Performing detailed structural calculations and FEA analysis to support new deck layouts, equipment foundations, and hull modifications.
- Intact & Damage Stability Calculations: Conducting comprehensive stability modeling to account for new weight distributions and operational loading conditions.
- Inclining Experiment: Preparing, supervising, and executing the official on-board inclining test at the shipyard to verify the vessel's lightship weight and center of gravity.
- Final Stability Booklet: Compiling and delivering the final Class-approved Stability Booklet and operational documentation.
A Strong Partnership with Green Yard Kleven
Managing a multi-disciplinary conversion project within tight schedules requires clear communication, technical flexibility, and mutual trust.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Green Yard Kleven for their continued confidence in Nelton’s engineering capabilities. Their exceptional craftsmanship, shipyard facilities, and collaborative spirit have been key factors in bringing the NG EXPLORER conversion to a successful conclusion.
"Successful ship conversions depend on strong partnerships. We sincerely thank Green Yard Kleven for their trust and excellent cooperation throughout the NG EXPLORER project. We look forward to continuing our partnership on future innovative maritime projects."
As NG EXPLORER prepares to leave the yard for her upcoming sea trials and offshore deployments, the entire team at Nelton wishes her and her crew fair winds, smooth seas, and successful operations!
