Gene Kliewer • Houston
StatoilHydro secures data acquisition capacity
StatoilHydro has signed a letter of intent for NOK1.8 billion ($322.9 million) to secure six seismic acquisition vessels for Norwegian continental shelf data runs. Petroleum Geo-Service will supply theRamform Challenger, Ramform Sovereign, and Atlantic Explorer. Fugro Geoteam contracted the Geo Celtic, Wavefield Inseis will send the Geowave Commander, and WesternGeco the Geco Triton.
In 2008, StatoilHydro plans to gather 6,000 sq km (2,317 sq mi) of 3D and 2,500 sq km (965 sq mi) of 4D data.
TheRamform Challenger is one of the vessels contracted by StatoilHydro for 2008 seismic surveying of the Norwegian continental shelf.
“The six vessels allow us to map large areas and the seismic data will give us a better foundation for finding drilling targets on the NCS,” says Bjarte Ydstebø, vice president for Drilling and Well Acquisitions in StatoilHydro.
Kaleidoscope wins technology award
Repsol YPF has won a 2008 technology award for its Kaleidoscope Project from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Spectrum publication. Kaleidoscope is a partnership of geophysicists, computer scientists, and end users to develop new algorithms and models, and the MareNostrum supercomputer to realize the next generation of seismic imaging technology.
In particular, the Project aims at advancements in Reverse Time Migration to reduce exploration risks. Repsol says it plans to use the new seismic technology to find oil buried some 30,000 ft (10,000 ft of water and then 20,000 ft of seabed) in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
“We are advancing seismic imaging by moving from a science of ‘approximations’ due to lack of computer power to one of more precise algorithms tailored to a new generation of processors,” says Francisco Ortigosa, Repsol YPF’s chief geophysicist and project leader. “To achieve our scientific and business goals for the Kaleidoscope Project, we have assembled a premier dream team of professionals from industry, government and academia. We are excited and proud to raise the industry standard in seismic exploration and to be recognized for our work by the distinguished editors at IEEE and IEEE Spectrum.”
3DGeo Development Inc. is providing specialized software for the Kaleidoscope project. 3DGeo provides advanced seismic imaging services and software that helps oil and gas companies visualize 3-D earth structures and reduce the drilling risk associated with oil and gas exploration.
“3DGeo will develop a suite of production-ready high-end imaging applications that implement the most advanced algorithms developed at 3DGeo, at Stanford, and in the industry, culminating with heretofore unimplemented cutting-edge, full wavefield imaging techniques,” says Biondo Biondi, co-founder and chief technical advisor of the company.
Fugro lands Asia-Pacific 3D surveys
Fugro has been awarded two contracts for 3D marine seismic surveys in Australia and Indonesia, and received a letter of intent for another seismic contract in Indonesia. The total contract value is $68.5 million.
Fugro has been awarded a 1,700 sq km (656 sq mi) 3D seismic survey for ConocoPhilips in Australia. Fugro’s seismic vesselGeo Atlantic was scheduled to start the two-month project offshore North Western Australia late in 2007.
In addition, a further letter of award was agreed upon with ConocoPhilips, and a letter of intent was received from StatoilHydro, each for a 3D seismic survey in Indonesia. These contracts cover two neighboring blocks with a total area of 3,500 sq km (1,351 sq mi). TheGeo Atlantic will take on the work after its Australian survey.
All of the surveys will be done with a 10-streamer spread.
In another kind of acquisition, Fugro Seismic Imaging has acquired 4th Wave Imaging, which specializes in 4D reservoir monitoring, rock and fluid property studies, and multi-component seismic analysis.
“4th Wave Imaging’s reservoir-focused technology will be integrated with FSI’s processing and imaging software,” says Andy Cowlard, Fugro Seismic Imaging managing director. “FSI will then build upon 4th Wave’s proven workflows to offer clients enhanced and optimized reservoir monitoring services. It is also anticipated that selected 4th Wave Imaging technology will be integrated into software products from Fugro-Jason.”
EMGS adds shallow-water technology
Electromagnetic Geoservices Asa has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to KMS Technologies’ patented system to run EM surveys in shallow water. EMGS and Reservoir Exploration Technology Asa jointly acquired KMS Technologies in a 50:50 venture.
RXT will retain its rights to KMS’ cable-based seafloor EM technology and EMGS gains rights for KMS’ time-domain, node-based system.
The transaction is expected to close this month. EMGS will pay $10 million in shares and $7 million in cash for its half plus royalties and a retention incentive. RXT would do the same, if approved at a special board meeting.
“KMS Technologies’ new time-domain system is an important development in electromagnetics,” says Terje Eidesmo, EMGS CEO. “The integration of this technique alongside our existing EM systems will broaden our portfolio and extend the range of benefits we can deliver to customers.”
Desire assesses Falklands data
Desire Petroleum Plc. is assessing data acquired by Wavefield Inseis ASA in tranches C, I, and L offshore the Falklands. When the environmental assessments are complete in 2008, Desire will look for a rig to drill any defined prospects.
Since BP has committed to drill at least two wells just south of the Falklands, Desire says it expects to take part in an extended drilling campaign with the mob/demob of a rig shared by the various area operators.
