Dolphin has selected the proven WesternGeco Q-Marine point-receiver marine seismic system for the Polar Empress.

This purchase of the Q-Marine system is a first step towards a potential opportunity for purchase of a WesternGeco IsoMetrix marine isometric seismic technology, Dolphin wrote in a press release.

The next generation multimeasurement IsoMetrix technology is enabled by a revolutionary streamer design that combines measurements of the total seismic pressure wavefield and its gradient-both vertically and crossline.

The initial Q-Marine system purchase will consist of complete seismic equipment outfitting with sixteen full-length streamers, steering arrangements, and source and control systems.

When the Dolphin charter of Polar Empress begins in April 2014, she will carry the highest nominal streamer inventory in the seismic industry, the company said.

Dolphin has entered into a completely fully-financed lease agreement with Schlumberger of approximately USD 40 million, to be repaid in equal instalments including interest over 38 months.

Further, Dolphin will invest additional USD 5 million in frontend towing equipment to enable super-wide configurations.