Dolphin applies record seismic spread offshore South Africa

March 25, 2013
Dolphin Geophysical has used a seismic survey spread that it describes as the world’s largest floating object.

Offshore staff

BERGEN, Norway – Dolphin Geophysical has used a seismic survey spread that it describes as the world’s largest floating object. The eight streamers were 8 km (5 mi) long and separated by 200 m (656 ft), giving a total area covered under tow of 11.2 sq km (4.3 sq mi).

The equipment was used offshore South Africa under contract with Shell and using thePolar Duchess seismic vessel.

The big spread was used to get 8,000 sq km (3,089 sq mi) surveyed during a limited weather window of four months.

“Despite the remote nature of the area and the challenging metocean conditions, the survey has been executed safely, efficiently and with a low down time,” said Stuart McGeoch, Shell regional ventures exploration manager for sub-Sahara Africa. “We have been impressed with the quality of acquisition data.”

Shell’s processing center in Houston validated the initial returns and is processing the data.

3/25/2013