New Zealand contracts offshore seismic surveys

Offshore staff

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Crown Minerals has contracted the MV Bergen Resolution for seismic surveys offshore New Zealand.

The vessel is scheduled to acquire approximately 3,000 km (1,864 mi) of 2D seismic data in the Pegasus basin. Preliminary studies by GNS Science suggest the basin has considerable hydrocarbon potential.

The Bergen Resolution will then move south to the Great South basin and Bounty Trough area to acquire approximately 4,000 km (2,485 mi) of seismic data. Reconnaissance data also will be acquired across the Challenger Plateau and Bellona Trough area, outer Taranaki basin, and Northland East Slope basin area. According to Crown Minerals, satellite oil seep detection surveys have identified natural oil seeps suggesting active petroleum systems in the areas.

11/03/2009