Malaysia Opens Its Waters to Multi-Client Surveys

Malaysian offshore waters have, for the first time, opened to the multi-client seismic model, TGS informed. The move came as a result of a new initiative by Petronas to stimulate offshore E&P investment activity.

A consortium comprising of PGS, TGS and Schlumberger WesternGeco, the industry’s three largest multi-client companies, have won the tender for the rights to undertake a multi-client seismic program offshore Sabah, TGS said.

According to TGS, offshore Sabah sits in an active fold-and-thrust province that hosts a number of proven hydrocarbon accumulations. An extension of the Brunei Baram Delta play, the primary exploration target has been Miocene deltaics with some younger Pliocene. With exploration and drilling progressing into deeper frontier waters, there is potential for new plays in the carbonate and syn-rift section.

“This large basin will benefit from modern, high resolution broadband 3D seismic necessary to understand both the existing play concepts and new potential plays,” the company said.

The consortium is planning to apply a combination of its technology solutions including multi-sensor acquisition using PGS’ GeoStreamer and WesternGeco IsoMetrix marine isometric seismic technology, PGS’ Towed Streamer Electro Magnetic technology and broadband 2D acquisition and processing techniques.