On 5 October 2015, seismic vessel, Oceanic Challenger, entered Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque for maintenance and repair work for her class renewal survey. CGG’s 91 x 23.8 meter vessel is deployed to conduct surveys for offshore exploration companies around the world.

As part of the scheduled class renewal survey, the vessel’s rudder was removed for overhaul and her valves and safety valves were also overhauled. The work was scheduled to take place over a 10-day period, a deadline met by the yard. This, says Project Manager Frederic Rauch, was down to excellent planning.

“We were ready for the Oceanic Challenger before she arrived. The entire project team was prepared and knew exactly what was expected. That way, we were able to complete the project as smoothly as possible and meet our targets.”

This was the first time CGG used the Dunkerque shipyard, though the company does have a pre-existing relationship with the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group, having docked vessels at Damen Shiprepair Brest previously. Khalil Benjelloul, Head of marketing & sales at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque, says: “Having used both our Dunkerque yard and our Brest facility, the client can now use either one of the yards in total confidence that its projects will be handled professionally.”