Effective Management of Seismic Acquisition and Simultaneous Operations in Complex Producing Fields

What is the best way to tow a seismic spread over an operating oil field? The answer is very carefully, with considerable pre-planning, and outstanding Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) awareness.

Maersk Oil’s 2015 and 2016 4D Monitor surveys each included at least 14 surface obstructions within the operating area for the seismic vessel. Planning for each survey started early, and SIMOPS were noted as a significant concern from the outset, with the potential to restrict access and therefore degrade the quality of 4D data acquired.

The SIMOPS challenges were considerable in both surveys and included platforms, tanker loading schedules and anchorages, pipe-laying, diving, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) inspections and fishing activity.

Real time operations monitoring and vessel tracking of all activities in and around the fields allowed efficient and safe operations for all activities.