An ION Geophysical subsidiary has signed a new contract with Polarcus to deliver a complete seismic testing service.

Under the new arrangement, ION's GX Technology will provide onboard quality control and data processing, land-based data processing with hardware, software and geophysicists to interpret the seismic information gathered in Polarcus' upstream operations.

GX Technology's senior vice-president Nick Bernitsas said that the contract will allow the company to become Polarcus' "exclusive 'behind-the-boat' processing partner".

"It is GXT's first arrangement of this type. It leverages our existing geophysical technology to provide us with an additional source of revenue moving forward," he added.

Polarcus is a new player in the seismic arena and has plans to launch the first of six towed streamer vessels in the third quarter of 2009.

ION Geophysical is currently recruiting Masters-level graduates to enrol in its internship courses, providing practical experience for new entrants to the oil and gas industry and helping to support the company's expanding operations.

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