CGG and Russian shipping company Sovcomflot have formed a new joint venture to acquire 3-D seismic data in Arctic waters.

Called Arctic Geophysical Exploration (AGE), the new JV will aim to offer 3-D marine seismic acquisition to vessel operators during the Arctic navigation season. France’s CGG will contribute a 14-streamer ice-class ship to the joint venture, while Sovcomflot will offer an eight-streamer ice-class unit.

The new company, to be headquartered in Moscow, is due to become operational by the fourth quarter of this year, and will be 51%-owned by Sovcomflot, with CGG holding the rest.