Polarcus Adira, one of the most technologically advanced vessels of her type in the world was expected to make a brief call at the docks on Wednesday.

The Norwegian-built vessel is a futuristic 3D seismic research vessel, designed for working in harsh Arctic conditions.

Readers will note that she has an Ulstein-designed X-bow or backward sloping bow, known as an inverted bow, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption and increase speed in rough weather by minimizing hydrodynamic drag.

The X-bow reduces slamming in a head sea, enabling the ship to maintain speed while allowing the crew to sleep better.

The success of this type of bow has been used by the United States Navy in the construction of the new Zumwalt class of guided missile destroyers.

Polarcus Adira is also one of the most environmentally responsible seismic vessels in the industry, with diesel-electric propulsion, high specification catalytic convertors, a double hull, and advanced ballast water treatment and bilge water cleaning systems.

The 16-knot vessel has completed a charter in the Gulf of Mexico where she conducted an 11,500 square kilometre survey. The ship can tow a large receiver spread, comprising of multiple solid streamers each ten kilometres in length, and a specialized source array designed to focus the acoustic energy in a vertical direction.

Arctic exploration is entering a new phase with naval architects being presented with the challenges that this hostile environment demands from new ship building technology.

Analysts estimate that the Arctic has undiscovered gas and oil reserves containing more than 20 per cent of the recoverable global oil and gas resources. A large percentage of these reserves, more than 80 per cent, lie in offshore areas.

Seismic operations in Arctic waters now demand companies to operate with the highest environmental standards, as the prime objective is the protection of this sensitive and fragile environment.