Polarcus

  • Marine Geophysical

Polarcus was a UAE-based marine geophysical company specializing in high-end seismic exploration services for the oil and gas industry. It was established in 2008 and gained a reputation for its commitment to environmentally responsible practices, including the use of advanced, eco-friendly vessels designed to minimize the ecological footprint.

The company operated a fleet of seismic survey vessels equipped with state-of-the-art technology to collect subsurface geological data, which is crucial for oil and gas exploration. Their services included 2D, 3D, and 4D seismic data acquisition, as well as multi-client project solutions.

One of the notable aspects of Polarcus was its focus on sustainability. The company invested in technologies and practices to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of seismic surveys. Polarcus was also known for implementing best practices in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management.

In recent years, however, the company faced financial difficulties. In January 2021, Polarcus announced that it was in default of its debt obligations. The company's lenders took control of its vessels, and Polarcus eventually ceased its exploration activities. The company's flagship assets were sold off as part of the liquidation process, marking the end of its operations.

Polarcus' story is a reflection of the challenges faced by the seismic services industry, including market volatility, high operational costs, and competition. Despite its exit from the market, the company's emphasis on environmental stewardship left a lasting impact on the industry.

Polarcus Headquarters

Almas Tower, Level 32, Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Dubai PO Box 283373
United Arab Emirates

Europe & Africa Office

The Beehive, Beehive Ring Road
City Place Gatwick RH6 0PA
United Kingdom

North & South America Office

920 Memorial City Way, Suite #160
Houston TX 77024
United States

Asia-Pacific Office

1 Fullerton Road One Fullerton #02-01
Singapore 049213

Ships

POLARCUS ADIRA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS AMANI

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS ASIMA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS NADIA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS NAILA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS ALIMA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

BARBAROS HAYREDDIN PASA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Turkey | Port: ISTANBUL

Maritime News

Moored Dredger Sinks off Singapore, No Casualties Reported

Moored Dredger Sinks off Singapore, No Casualties Reported

yesterday
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has reported that a moored Belize-registered dredger, KSE Hitachi, had sunk off Tuas in Singapore.According to MPA, there were no personnel reported to be on board the dredger at the time of the incident, with port operations remaining unaffected.MPA is investigating the incident, and navigational broadcast has been issued to advise passing vessels to keep clear of the area.The dredger’s company is making arrangements to salvage the vessel.Three MPA patrol crafts have been deployed to the site to render assistance.
Stakeholders Respond to MEPC 83 Outcome

Stakeholders Respond to MEPC 83 Outcome

yesterday
The IMO Net-zero Framework agreed at MEPC 83 last week is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.   The measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.  These measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025 before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping.
China Hikes Tariffs for US Imports in Response to Trump’s Actions

China Hikes Tariffs for US Imports in Response to Trump’s Actions

4 days ago
Beijing increased its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125% on Friday, hitting back against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hike duties on Chinese goods and raising the stakes in a trade war that threatens to up-end global supply chains.China's retaliation intensified the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump's tariffs, with markets tumbling further and foreign leaders puzzling how to respond to the biggest disruption to the world trade order in decades."Recession risk is much, much higher now than it was a couple weeks ago," said Adam Hetts, global head of multi-asset at Janus Henderson.
Taiwan Charges Chinese Captain over Cable Damage

Taiwan Charges Chinese Captain over Cable Damage

4 days ago
Taiwan prosecutors on Friday for the first time charged a Chinese ship captain with intentionally damaging undersea cables off the island in February, after a rise in sea cable malfunctions alarmed Taiwan officials amid tensions with China.Prosecutors say the man was captain of the Chinese-crewed Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo, which Taiwanese authorities detained after suspecting the ship had dropped anchor near an undersea cable off southwestern Taiwan, damaging it.The prosecutors' office in the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan said they had charged the ship's Chinese captain, whom they identified only by his family name, Wang, with being responsible for damaging the cable.
Six Dead in Hudson River Helicopter Crash

Six Dead in Hudson River Helicopter Crash

4 days ago
The US Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies in response to the helicopter crash in the Hudson River that occurred Thursday afternoon in New York City near the Holland Tunnel.The tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River, killing all six aboard, including three children, Mayor Eric Adams said.The victims were believed to have included a family from Spain and the pilot, the mayor said at a briefing.Response boat crews from Coast Guard stations New York, Sandy Hook and Kings Point, and Cutter Bonito have been deployed to the incident.