Aker BP awards four-year seismic contract to Schlumberger

Oil exploration and production company Aker BP has awarded a framework contract to Schlumberger for acquisition of 4D seismic data.

The framework contract has a duration of four years, with an option for 2+2 years.

The contract includes WesternGeco marine acquisition of 4D seismic data over the Aker BP-operated fields Alvheim, Bøyla, Skarv/Snadd and Ula in 2017. This part of the agreement, which has the support of the partners on the four fields, has an independent market value of around $30 million, Aker BP said on Thursday.

This year’s seismic acquisition effort starts in May, and will be carried out by the WG Amundsen seismic vessel.

“We will be using the best seismic technology available on the market; IsoMetrix marine isometric seismic technology. The result is data quality that surpasses what we have been able to achieve previously,” says SVP Reservoir, Ole-Johan Molvig.

According to the company, the 4D seismic method requires acquisition of seismic data in the exact same positions as a previously recorded survey. This allows changes in the reservoir to be compared and recorded over time.

“We use this information to make decisions about how we will further develop the field by drilling new production wells, or through measures for injecting water or gas to improve recovery through existing production wells,” says Molvig.

Gathering knowledge is an important key for improving the recovery rate, maximizing value creation, and thus extending field lifetime, the company added.

“The extensive seismic acquisition on our own operated fields is yet another confirmation of Aker BP’s stated ambition and commitment to the Norwegian Shelf – also during a period of decline and reduced activity in the industry in general,” says Molvig.