EllenM. and Mikkel. R. Forland have since early in the sixties operateddifferent vessels for the seismic industry, and should thereforeindubitably be characterised as pioneers of the maritime offshoreseismic industry of the North Sea. A high level of quality and safetycharacterizes E. Forland Shipowners, the company that was establishedin 1973. Another characteristic is the Norwegian flag all the vesselsare flying.

E. Forland Shipowners was established in 1973,with the conversion of the coaster MV ”ARA” to MV ”SEISMARINER” forSeismograph Service (England) Ltd. (SSL). The conversion took place atBMV (Bergen Yards).

Prior to the conversion, Mikkel R. Forlandand his wife, Ellen M. Forland, had 10 years experience in managingconverted trawlers and various fishing vessels for internationalseismic survey companies like Geophysical Service International (GSI)of Texas, Companie General de Geophysice (CGG) of Paris, France, andSSL in the UK.

Mrs. Forland took ownership of the vessel inJanuary 1973, and continued management of MV SEIS SEARCH” for otherowners, along with her own vessel.

A second vessel, MV“SEISVENTURER” was purpose built for SEISMOGRAPH SERVICE Ltd. in 1986,at Drammen Slip & Mek. Yard in Norway. This hull was speciallydeveloped through model tank test, in order to create as little noiseas possible in the water.  She was also the first vessel to introduce“water guns” in marine seismic exploration. In 2001 MS SEISVENTURERwas  sold to Thales Survey Group Ltd.