Japan's NYK has signed a domestic contract that will see it enter the geophysical survey sector.
It has sealed a 10-year consignment service agreement for its Ocean Geo-Frontier (OGF) venture in a deal with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC).
OGF was formed last year with Hitachi and Norwegian shipowner PGS Geophysical.
PGS sold the 102-loa survey ship Ramform Sterling (built 2009) to JOGMEC, an administrative agency of the ministry of economy, trade and industry, banking $100m.
NYK will be responsible for vessel operation, Hitachi for data processing and PGS will provide technical and operational services, support and training.
"Surveys leading to the discovery of new oil and gas fields are...expected to be in greater demand," NYK said.
"Through OGF, NYK is entering the geophysical survey business at the most upstream part of the energy value chain and making efforts to accumulate experience and technical expertise in new fields, as well as expanding the business by concluding contracts for surveys."
NYK has 45% of OGF, with Hitachi owning 21% and PGS 34%.
