ION Geo to begin third phase of North Sea seismic survey

Texas-based ION Geophysical is about to commence a third phase of the Mid North Sea High 3D seismic data acquisition multi-client program.

“The Mid North Sea High program covers one of the few remaining underexplored areas offshore the UK, where relatively low development costs close to shore make it attractive for future investment”, the company said.

The survey covers approximately 700 km² and data collection is expected to occur from mid-September until late October.

The third phase site is adjacent to the initial phase and fills a gap in existing subsurface coverage.

“Client prefunding demonstrates continued support and interest in this geologically complex, commercially appealing play. ION is strategically investing where we believe capital will continue flowing throughout the energy transition. We expect data purchases will largely be aligned with lower risk, higher return strategies focused on stable regulatory environments, proven basins and infrastructure-led exploration that leverages existing nearby facilities”, said Joe Gagliardi, senior vice president of ION’s Ventures group.

“Multiple exploration and appraisal wells are occurring within the next year to test new prospects and further define nearby discoveries. Based on the excellent phase one subsurface image quality, we expect to provide fresh insights in a new regional perspective for developing the entire Zechstein play.”

In March, ION finalised plans to launch the second phase of the North Sea 3D multi-client program, choosing Shearwater GeoServices to acquire the survey data.

The survey was set to last from approximately late April to mid-October covering an area six times larger than the initial phase, the company stated back then.