Next Geosolutions Expands Fleet with Acquisition of New Survey Vessel
Italy-headquartered Next Geosolutions (NextGeo) has recently acquired a new vessel, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion plans within the offshore sector. The vessel, formerly known as Deep Helder and now renamed NG Surveyor, will be dedicated to various survey activities to meet the growing demand in the industry.
NG Surveyor, built in the Netherlands in 2014, boasts impressive specifications including a length of 64.8 meters, width of 15.8 meters, a 500m² deck space, and a DP2 system. With the capacity to accommodate up to 48 personnel, the vessel is well-equipped for geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, and UXO survey operations.
Following the acquisition, NextGeo will invest approximately €4 million in outfitting NG Surveyor with advanced equipment such as multibeam echosounders, a sub-bottom profiler, and an acoustic positioning system. This upgrade will enable the vessel to conduct high-resolution surveys in various water depths, including depths classified as “full ocean depth” up to 11,000 meters.
The total investment for the vessel acquisition amounts to €21 million, reflecting NextGeo’s commitment to enhancing its fleet and service offerings. CEO Giovanni Ranieri expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating that it aligns with the company’s growth strategy and strengthens its position in the market.
Financial support for the acquisition came from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and Credito Emiliano (Credem), with a combined funding of €12 million. Credem provided €6 million with a ten-year repayment term, while CDP contributed another €6 million with an eight-year repayment term.
In addition to NG Surveyor, NextGeo had previously acquired the vessel NG Explorer from Beitveit Holding, further expanding its capabilities in survey operations. With these strategic investments, Next Geosolutions is poised to seize new opportunities in the offshore industry and solidify its position as a leading player in the sector.