YUZHMORGEOLOGIYA

The vessel is designed to conduct comprehensive geological and geophysical research for the prospecting and exploration of solid minerals in the World Ocean; to perform comprehensive geological surveys of economic zones and testing with sample analysis of seabed material; to carry out environmental monitoring; hydrophysical and hydrobiological research; searches and photographic/television surveys of sunken objects; and testing of new technical equipment for the study and development of the mineral resources of the World Ocean.
In February 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on the vessel, which is operated by the sanctioned russian state-owned multidisciplinary geological holding Rosgeologia JSC (АО "Росгеология") through its sanctioned subsidiary Yuzhmorgeologia JSC (АО "Южморгеология"). Rosgeologia and its subsidiaries provide a full range of geophysical services for the prospecting and exploration of oil and gas fields within russia and are controlled by the russian government. They also conduct hydrocarbon and solid mineral exploration operations in more than ten countries.