Veritas DGC Inc. announces the availability of the M/V Seisquest

(May 15, 2001) Veritas DGC Inc. (Houston, TX) announced today the availability of an additional, high-capacity 3D vessel in its worldwide fleet. Upon completion of extensive modifications, the M/V Seisquest was relaunched May 7, 2001 in Bergen, Norway. The vessel, on a long-term charter from Ellen Forlands Shipowners, has been lengthened, widened and re-powered to accommodate the latest multi-element seismic systems. The M/V Seisquest replaces a lower capacity vessel that was retired last year.

" By replacing a lower capacity vessel, the M/V Seisquest enables us to increase capacity and continue to deploy the latest in marine seismic acquisition technology, without increasing the overall fleet size," said C. Richard Price, Senior Vice President of Veritas' Marine Data Acquisition Division.

"A well-defined program of fleet upgrades over the next few years will keep Veritas at the technical forefront, while providing an appropriate response to current market requirements. This program is based on our proven, efficient and technically advanced Viking vessel design, and as an essential part of our strategy, the M/V Seisquest has been modified and equipped to provide similar capabilities," said Price. "We look forward to working with Forlands, who have a long established and distinguished history of successful seismic vessel operations."

The M/V Seisquest sailed from Bergen, Norway on May 13, 2001 to commence work offshore southwest Ireland, and is scheduled to complete a series of projects in the North Sea during the summer season.

Veritas DGC Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading provider of integrated geophysical services and technologies to the petroleum industry worldwide.

Source: Vertias DGC Inc.