Fugro completes acquisition of over 1000 line km of full fold shallow target pseudo 3D seismic data in UKCS SNS

Fugro Survey Limited in Aberdeen has recently completed acquisition of over one thousand line kilometres of shallow target pseudo 3D seismic data in the southern North Sea for a North Sea independent operator using Fugro’s dedicated geophysical survey vessel ‘Fugro Meridian’.

Shooting 3D data would be operationally very difficult, so a programme of closely spaced lines (two hundred and fifty metre) of 2D data, in combination with Fugro Seismic Imaging’s GeoQube processing package, was chosen by the client as the best way to fully evaluate the prospect.

The GeoQube process, which is ongoing on behalf of the client at the time of publication, is essentially a 2D-to-3D seismic data conversion package. Whilst it is not a replacement for a 3D survey it can be an extremely useful product in the exploration phase when the overall benefits are considered:

• The final 3D-migrated volume can be loaded to a 3D workstation.
• It is an inexpensive process utilising 2D data so it can be viewed in a 3D sense.
• A matched dataset is produced prior to 3D interpolation and gridding.
• A velocity field is constructed for the 3D volume.
• The regularised 2D data volume is 3D-migrated.

GeoQube processing allows the interpolation of closely spaced 2D lines onto a 3D grid using a specially adapted interpolation algorithm. Every sample of the 2D data is scanned for coherency and a database of dip vectors from coherent events is built. From this database, Fugro Seismic Imaging can construct a 3D geological model representing major structural trends in the survey area. The stacked 2D seismic data is then interpolated along these structural surfaces and a 3D data volume generated based on the customer's grid definition. Once Fugro Seismic Imaging has the 3D volume, this can then be 3D migrated to correctly position events and attenuate noise.

The vessel’s Ku band communication system, which provides a continuous satellite communications link for mail voice and internet, was used to transfer brute stack sections ashore for client review.

Acquisition parameters of a five hundred cubic inch source and two-kilometre streamer were agreed following a programme of array modelling by Fugro. Other medium target 2D seismic operations undertaken in 2006 have involved the provision of a three-kilometre streamer.

Fugro Meridian is owned and operated by Fugro Survey Limited of Aberdeen, UK. Specifically designed as a multi purpose survey vessel, the Fugro Meridian is permanently mobilised and can be rapidly deployed to survey locations worldwide. It is fitted with a Kongsberg SDP11 Class 1 DP system, a full suite of analogue and digital geophysical equipment, including permanently installed hull mounted multibeam bathymetry echosounder, and has multi-role capability including OBC work, ROV visual inspection, pipeline and cable route surveys, high resolution seismic acquisition surveys and environmental surveys.

The independent was more than satisfied on all aspects of Fugro Survey’s performance in relation to this project.

Fugro Survey Limited forms part of Fugro's Offshore Survey Division and has bases in Aberdeen and Gt. Yarmouth. Operations are conducted primarily on the North West European Continental Shelf, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, and West Africa regions and on telecom cable route surveys across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle operations are carried out through out the Eastern Hemisphere. Fugro Survey Limited operates fleet of six vessels that are permanently equipped with survey spreads, four of which are primarily geophysical / hydrographic vessels plus two light construction DP2 ROV survey vessels and two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). In addition, the Company provides ROV, survey and surface / subsea positioning equipment and services to other contractors and organisations, deployed from their vessels and barges.

Fugro Seismic Imaging Limited, based in Swanley, Kent, provides a full range of seismic data processing services to the upstream Oil and Gas Industry. Along with Fugro-Geoteam (marine seismic 2-D, 3-D and 4-D data acquisition) and Fugro Multi Client Services (non-exclusive data sales), Fugro Seismic Imaging lies in the Seismic Business Line of the Geoscience Division, operating in the fields of seismic data acquisition, processing (onshore and onboard) and interpretation. Fugro Seismic Imaging was formed by combining the seismic data processing operations of Fugro Robertson, Fugro Geoteam, Fugro Geoservices and Fugro Survey into a single, focused, globally active company.

Both Fugro Survey Limited and Fugro Seismic Imaging are members of the Fugro group. The group employs approximately 8,000 people, worldwide, and has offices and operations in nearly 60 countries. Revenues for 2003 were approximately 1.1 billion US Dollars.

Chris Mott, Commercial Manager
Fugro Survey Limited, Aberdeen
tel: +44 (0)1224 257500
fax: +44 (0)1224 853912
Email:
Denmore Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8JW, United Kingdom
Website: www.fugrosurvey.co.uk