Norway: TGS starts 2D, 3D seismic work in Barents Sea

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co. has started 2D and 3D multiclient projects in the Norwegian Barents Sea in preparation for the 23rd Norwegian licensing round (OGJ Online, Sept. 3, 2013).

The HFCE14, a 3,100 sq km 3D multiclient survey, extends TGS’s existing multiyear 3D hoop coverage to more than 20,000 sq km. The survey will be acquired by the M/V GECO Eagle vessel, which will tow 10 streamers and cover similar Jurassic targets as the Wisting light oil discovery.

NBR14 is an extension of TGS long offset 2D grid in the Barents Sea, adding 6,600 km to the existing data library. The survey will cover the eastern part of the Norwegian Barents Sea, including the newly opened area in the former disputed Norway-Russia zone. The M/S Academik Shatskiy vessel will acquire the data using broadband technology.

TGS said final data from processing will be available to clients during this year’s fourth quarter. The surveys are supported by industry funding.

This is the latest of several projects TGS has undertaken in the Barents Sea over the past 3 years (OGJ Online, May 24, 2011; May 1, 2012; Mar. 7, 2013; June 19, 2013).