Vantage International Management Co. has contracted Fugro Survey India to assist ONGC’s Indian deepwater drilling operations, though the company did not disclose a contract commencement date.

Fugro will deploy its FCV3000 ROV system aboard the Vantage drillship Platinum Explorer to support drilling and completion activities in waters up to 3,000 m deep.

Earlier this year, ONGC chartered the Platinum Explorer drillship from Vantage for a three-year offshore India drilling campaign, with options for a further extension.

Fugro's services will span all phases of drilling operations, including subsea installation and intervention, drilling and completion support, BOP and well-control monitoring, cementing observation, and seabed inspection.

The campaign forms part of ONGC's deepwater exploration program, which is aimed at unlocking new offshore energy resources, strengthening India's energy security and supporting long-term domestic oil and gas production.

The contract also reflects continued investment in India's deepwater sector, where operators are targeting resources in increasingly challenging water depths that require advanced subsea inspection, intervention and well-control support capabilities.

ONGC expands offshore India exploration with Shearwater surveys

ONGC is also advancing exploration activity elsewhere offshore India through newly awarded seismic programs.

ONGC has issued two Letters of Award to Shearwater Geoservices for acquisition of 3D seismic offshore India.

These cover a nine-month project offshore India’s West coast and a six-month survey offshore the East coast

Both surveys should get underway in October.