PGS awarded innovative multi-azimuth 3D survey by BP

Involving a total of 3150 square kilometres, the Raven Multi-Azimuth 3D survey will acquire 3D data in five different directions, or azimuths, using the MV Ramform Viking. This data will then be collectively processed by PGS to output a high-quality 3D dataset.

The survey is located in the North Alexandria Concession over the recent Raven-1 discovery. This is located northwest of Rosetta, and 40 kilometres off the coast of Egypt.

'We expect to significantly improve the seismic illumination and understanding of the reservoir geology by the use of the Multi-Azimuth acquisition and processing approach', said Jim Keggin of BP. 'The use of the Multi-Azimuth 3D seismic technology is a progression of previous cooperations between BP and PGS, and demonstrates BP's ongoing commitment to technical innovation'.

PGS has acquired several Multi-Azimuth surveys in the North Sea and West Africa using the proprietary Ramform vessel technology. Several wells have recently been successfully drilled in the Pertra-operated Varg Field in the North Sea, based upon Multi-Azimuth 3D seismic data acquired and processed by PGS in 2002.

The high trace density and complete range of source-receiver azimuths provide the ideal solution for understanding the geology in complex structural locations,' said Sverre Strandenes, President of PGS' Marine Geophysical EAME business unit. 'Our Ramform vessels and their inherent price performance advantage compared to competing technologies played a major role in PGS being awarded this survey.'