History - E FORLAND AS

Ellen M. and Mikkel. R. Forland have since early in the sixties operated different vessels for the seismic industry, and should therefore indubitably be characterised as pioneers of the maritime offshore seismic industry of the North Sea. A high level of quality and safety characterizes E. Forland Shipowners, the company that was established in 1973. Another characteristic is the Norwegian flag all the vessels are flying.

E. Forland Shipowners was established in 1973, with the conversion of the coaster MV ”ARA” to MV ”SEISMARINER” for Seismograph Service (England) Ltd. (SSL). The conversion took place at BMV (Bergen Yards).

Prior to the conversion, Mikkel R. Forland and his wife, Ellen M. Forland, had 10 years experience in managing converted trawlers and various fishing vessels for international seismic survey companies like Geophysical Service International (GSI) of Texas, Companie General de Geophysice (CGG) of Paris, France, and SSL in the UK.

Mrs. Forland took ownership of the vessel in January 1973, and continued management of MV SEIS SEARCH” for other owners, along with her own vessel.

A second vessel, MV “SEISVENTURER” was purpose built for SEISMOGRAPH SERVICE Ltd. in 1986, at Drammen Slip & Mek. Yard in Norway. This hull was specially developed through model tank test, in order to create as little noise as possible in the water.  She was also the first vessel to introduce “water guns” in marine seismic exploration. In 2001 MS SEISVENTURER was  sold to Thales Survey Group Ltd.

In 1990, Shipbroker M. R. Forland managed to secure the hull of a trawler from Pattje Shipyards, Holland. The hull was towed to Norway, and fitted out as a Seismic research vessel for SSL, and sailed in spring 1991 from Th. Hellesøy Shipyard, Norway, under the name “SEISQUEST”. After a comprehensive conversion through 2000/2001, she has worked as an 8+-streamer vessel for the seismic research company Veritas DGC of Houston, USA.

The purpose built seismic research ship MV “SEISRANGER” was finished from Th. Hellesøy Shipyard in 1993.A 2001 conversion has made her to a ROV underwater inspection vessel, working for Subsea7.

E. Forland Shipowner operates only national flagged vessel mainly with national maritime crew under the legislation of the flag state of a well renowned and internationally acknowledged maritime nation. The company is well known for the high levels of standard on board and the focus on safety and quality in all operations. !