ION Geophysical and Shearwater Geoservices have launched the initial phase of their North Sea 3D multi-client programme.
ION Geophysical and Shearwater Geoservices have launched the initial phase of their North Sea 3D multi-client programme. While the majority of the up to ~11,000 km2 survey will be acquired next summer, phase one enables the company to complete the entire programme by the end of the 2021 season. The Mid North Sea High programme covers one of the last underexplored sections of the prolific UK Continental Shelf, and is now an area of industry focus following recent play-opening wells.
The existing infrastructure and proximity to the shore makes it attractive for future investment, said ION. Since the programme launched, additional acreage was awarded over the survey area. Final deliverables will be available in April 2021.
‘This programme marks our entry into the North Sea and completes one of the company’s top strategic objectives this year to enter the larger 3D new acquisition multi-client market,’ said Ken Williamson, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of ION’s E&P Technology and Services group. ‘We successfully acquired the most challenging shallow water section of the survey, where conflicts with other operations would have been more challenging in subsequent years. Utilizing the company’s Marlin and Orca software, ION’s Optimization Services team planned the project using an innovative digital methodology that incorporates impacts of ocean currents and nearby operations to make better decisions in real time. This assured maximum data collection during the available 2020 season and more uniform subsurface coverage.’
