XOM awards major deepwater seismic contract to Shearwater in…..ExxonMobil Guyana has awarded a significant deepwater 4D Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) reservoir surveillance contract to Norwegian offshore seismic services provider Shearwater Geoservices. This six-month survey is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025 and aims to enhance reservoir management and extraction efficiency in Guyana’s burgeoning offshore oil sector.
Scope and Objectives of the Survey
The primary objective of the 4D OBN survey is to monitor dynamic changes within the reservoir over time. By employing time-lapse seismic imaging, ExxonMobil aims to gain insights into fluid movements, pressure variations, and other subsurface dynamics. This information is crucial for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery, identifying untapped resources, and informing strategic well placement.
Shearwater’s deployment will consist of a specialized seismic vessel serving as the source and a dual Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) vessel responsible for precise node placement on the seabed. This configuration ensures high-resolution data acquisition, enabling detailed subsurface imaging. The use of OBN technology is particularly advantageous in complex deepwater environments, as it provides superior data quality compared to traditional towed streamer methods.
Strategic Importance for Shearwater Geoservices
This contract marks a significant milestone for Shearwater Geoservices, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of advanced seismic solutions in the global oil and gas industry. The project follows Shearwater’s recent successful completion of a 4D towed streamer operation for ExxonMobil in Canada, highlighting the company’s growing relationship with the energy major.
Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Shearwater is pleased to be selected for this significant 4D OBN contract in one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore oil and gas regions.” She also noted the increasing demand for deepwater 4D OBN monitoring globally and emphasized Shearwater’s readiness to meet this demand with its advanced fleet and technological expertise.
Guyana’s Expanding Offshore Oil Industry
Guyana’s offshore oil sector has experienced rapid growth since ExxonMobil’s initial discovery in the Stabroek Block in 2015. The Liza-1 well marked the country’s first significant oil find, encountering over 295 feet (90 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. This discovery has been pivotal in positioning Guyana as a notable player in the global oil market.
In recent developments, ExxonMobil submitted an environmental impact assessment for its seventh oil project in the Stabroek Block, named Hammerhead. This project entails drilling 14 to 30 development wells, installing and operating a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, and laying a gas export pipeline. Production is slated to begin in 2029, pending governmental approvals, with an estimated output capacity between 120,000 and 180,000 barrels per day. This addition is projected to elevate Guyana’s total production capacity to over 1.4 million barrels per day.
Technological Advancements in Seismic Surveys
The adoption of 4D OBN technology represents a significant advancement in seismic surveying. Unlike traditional 3D surveys, which provide a static image of the subsurface, 4D surveys incorporate the time dimension, allowing for the observation of changes within the reservoir over intervals. This dynamic monitoring is essential for effective reservoir management, enabling operators to make informed decisions regarding production strategies and resource allocation.
OBN technology involves deploying a network of autonomous seismic sensors, or nodes, on the ocean floor. These nodes record seismic waves generated by a source vessel, capturing high-fidelity data that is less affected by surface conditions. The resulting data offers enhanced resolution and accuracy, particularly beneficial in complex geological settings or areas with existing infrastructure where traditional methods may face limitations.
Environmental and Operational Considerations
Conducting seismic surveys in deepwater environments necessitates meticulous planning to mitigate environmental impacts. Shearwater and ExxonMobil are expected to adhere to stringent environmental protocols, ensuring that marine ecosystems are protected during operations. This includes measures such as real-time monitoring of marine life, implementing exclusion zones, and employing technologies designed to minimize acoustic disturbances.
Operationally, the deployment of dual ROV vessels for node placement underscores the complexity of the project. These ROVs are tasked with the precise positioning of nodes on the seabed, a process that demands high levels of accuracy to ensure data quality. The integration of advanced navigation systems and real-time data transmission facilitates effective coordination between the surface vessels and subsea equipment.
Conclusion
The awarding of this 4D OBN survey contract to Shearwater Geoservices signifies a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the understanding and management of Guyana’s offshore oil reservoirs. As Guyana continues its ascent as a prominent oil-producing nation, the integration of cutting-edge seismic technologies will play a crucial role in maximizing resource recovery and ensuring the sustainability of its oil and gas sector.
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