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.


Asia-Pacific Office

1 Fullerton Road One Fullerton #02-01
Singapore 049213

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

Ships

BARBAROS HAYREDDIN PASA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Turkey | Port: ISTANBUL

POLARCUS ADIRA

Seismographic Research Ship | Flag: Bahamas | Port: NASSAU

POLARCUS ALIMA

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

Maritime News

Anemoi’s Wind-Assisted Rotor Sails Pass Eight-Year Operational Milestone (Video)

Anemoi’s Wind-Assisted Rotor Sails Pass Eight-Year Operational Milestone (Video)

42 minutes ago
Anemoi Marine Technologies’ Rotor Sail wind-assisted propulsion system has completed more than eight years of continuous commercial operation after M/V Afros successfully passed its second intermediate dry dock survey.The survey, conducted by Lloyd’s Register in China in April, confirmed the structural integrity and operational condition of the vessel’s four Rotor Sails, Anemoi said.The 64,000-deadweight-tonne Ultramax bulk carrier Afros became the first bulk carrier fitted with Rotor Sails when the system was installed in 2018.
Iraq, Pakistan Secure Oil Shipments via Hormuz with Iran Agreements

Iraq, Pakistan Secure Oil Shipments via Hormuz with Iran Agreements

3 hours ago
Both Iraq and Pakistan have cut deals with Iran to ship oil and liquefied natural gas from the Gulf, according to five sources with knowledge of the matter, in a demonstration of Tehran's ability to control energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has slashed energy exports from a region that normally supplies 20% of the world's crude oil and LNG. The U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports in recent weeks. And though Iran initially sought to halt traffic through the strait, that stance is now changing, said Claudio Steuer of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies."Iran has shifted from blocking Hormuz to controlling access to it ...
Trump Urged to Stand Strong on Shipbuilding in Talks with Xi

Trump Urged to Stand Strong on Shipbuilding in Talks with Xi

2 days ago
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Monday urged President Donald Trump to hold fast to trade remedies proposed by his administration to rebuild U.S. shipbuilding and not offer concessions when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping.Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Mark Kelly of Arizona as well as Republicans Tim Scott of South Carolina and Todd Young of Indiana told Trump in a letter sent on Monday that China's decades-long effort to "decimate American shipbuilding" demanded the use of U.S. trade measures to their fullest extent.
Two Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz

Two Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz

2 days ago
Two more tankers laden with crude exited the Strait of Hormuz last week with trackers switched off to avoid Iranian attacks, Kpler shipping data showed, underscoring a rising trend to sustain Middle East oil exports.The very large crude carrier (VLCC) Basrah Energy loaded 2 million barrels of Upper Zakum crude from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co's (ADNOC's) Zirku terminal on May 1 and exited the Strait of Hormuz on May 6, the data showed on Monday.The Panama-flagged vessel offloaded its cargo at the Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminals on May 8, according to the data.It was not immediately clear which company chartered the tanker owned and managed by shipper Sinokor.
MISC Names LNG Carrier Vessel Pair

MISC Names LNG Carrier Vessel Pair

5 days ago
MISC Group (MISC) named two new generation Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers, Seri Dian and Seri Dayang, on May 7, 2026. The addition of these vessels further strengthens its long-standing partnership with SeaRiver Maritime LLC (SRM), a wholly owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil.Constructed by Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd., the 174,000 CBM LNG carriers are equipped with smart and energy-efficient technologies, including the Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (ICER) system and an enhanced cargo containment system with reduced boil-off rates to improve efficiency and support safer operations.