By: Ahn Sang-Min, November 2, 2024
GeoView’s “G-Star” Geotechnical Survey Vessel Departs from Busan Yeongdo
The First Domestic Vessel with Drilling System and Seafloor CPT
Until now, Korea relied on foreign firms for geological surveys due to a lack of domestic technology and equipment
GeoView: “The Only Company to Simultaneously Perform Geophysical and Geotechnical Surveys”
At the Mastec Heavy Industries dock in Busan, the “G-Star,” a 1,500-ton geotechnical survey vessel developed by GeoView, stood tall, outshining larger vessels docked nearby. GeoView, a local company, modified a barge into the country’s first geotechnical survey vessel equipped with a marine-specific drilling system and seafloor CPT (Cone Penetration Test) technology.
“Marine surveys consist of geophysical and geotechnical surveys. Until now, no domestic company has simultaneously conducted both surveys, but GeoView has become the first to do so with the G-Star,” said Choi Min-guk, a manager at GeoView.
The G-Star, which GeoView modified over the past year with an investment of over 10 billion won, is expected to be a game-changer for Korea’s offshore wind industry. Geotechnical surveys are essential for offshore wind engineering and construction, but due to a lack of domestic capabilities, much of this work has been outsourced to foreign companies.
GeoView already operates several vessels for geophysical surveys, including the 1,700-ton “GeoView DP1,” the 120-ton “GeoView NO1,” and is planning to introduce the 500-ton “Geocean.” With the addition of the G-Star, GeoView has become a complete marine survey company.
The G-Star measures 22.2 meters in width and 64.5 meters in length and features a marine-specific drilling system and seafloor CPT equipment, which are core components of geotechnical surveys.
“For continuity of data, it is much better to conduct both geophysical and geotechnical surveys by the same company. However, geotechnical surveys require high-tech equipment and expertise, and until now, no domestic company had the proper equipment,” Choi explained.
Key Geotechnical Features: Drilling System and Seafloor CPT
The “drill derrick” on the G-Star is a key feature. This tower, standing 20 meters tall, is used to drill into the seabed, obtaining soil samples and necessary data for offshore wind and construction projects. The vessel can perform 5 to 10 drillings per month, allowing for efficient operation. The G-Star is capable of drilling to depths of up to 150 meters, making it suitable for most domestic sites.
The vessel also features the “Shear Ram,” a device designed to seal drilling holes and cut drill pipes during emergencies. The G-Star is the only vessel in Korea equipped with this technology.
The G-Star is also equipped with a “moonpool,” a square hole in the center of the vessel where seafloor CPT can be conducted. Seafloor CPT involves pressing a cone-shaped device into the seafloor to measure resistance, friction, and pore water pressure, providing essential data for offshore wind projects.
“This vessel is equipped for CPT surveys that can reach depths of over 50 meters, providing the necessary geotechnical data for offshore wind developments,” said Choi.
Improved Working Environment, Safety, and Efficiency
One of the G-Star’s standout features is its work and living spaces, designed to accommodate 36 crew members. The vessel includes essential facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and dining areas, meeting international HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards, which are crucial for marine operations.
GeoView has invested heavily in creating comfortable and safe working conditions for crew members, understanding that marine operations often involve long-term stays at sea. Regular safety training is also a part of the company’s commitment to safety.
“We prioritize safety above all. In long-term geotechnical surveys, we want our workers to live and work in optimal conditions, ensuring the highest work efficiency,” Choi said with pride.
Strengthening Expertise and Partnerships for Global Growth
GeoView has recently bolstered its capabilities by recruiting experts from overseas, including Kelvin Chow, Vice President at Fugro, a European marine survey group. Chow brings over 30 years of experience in offshore wind and oil and gas industries and will oversee roles in QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) and vessel operations.
In addition to geophysical surveys, GeoView is expanding into UXO (unexploded ordnance) detection and ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations, strengthening its position as a comprehensive marine survey company.
GeoView has also partnered with Seoul National University to develop Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) technology. Through this collaboration, GeoView will provide MC-UHRS data to the university, which will generate subsurface velocity models and underground structural imaging, essential for accurate subsurface geological mapping. GeoView plans to integrate this geophysical and geotechnical data for more advanced exploration.
Source: Electric Times (https://www.electimes.com)
