WesternGeco surveys Egyptian block for Neptune Energy

WesternGeco has completed an ocean bottom nodes (OBN) multiclient survey in the North West El Amal block, offshore Egypt, for Neptune Energy.

Neptune said on Thursday that the North West El Amal survey delivered ‘promising results’ for further analysis.

The project, pre-funded by Neptune, was carried out by WesternGeco, the seismic and geophysical data solutions division of Schlumberger, under a contract with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC).

The survey, acquired by using third-party vessels, was sponsored by the Egyptian Ministry for Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

According to the company, the survey had to overcome the challenge of acquiring improved imaging in the complex salt geometries of the Gulf of Suez. It was the first-ever OBN seismic survey to be conducted in Egypt and the most detailed survey of the block since the first acquisition in 1988, providing an in-depth data set for processing, image analysis, and planning for potential exploratory wells in the future.

The North West El Amal offshore concession covers 365 square kilometres and is located in the central part of the Gulf of Suez, some 42 kilometres south of Ras Gharib and 105 kilometres north of Hurghada.

Neptune was awarded the exploration licence in February last year, including the acquisition of 100 square kilometres of 3D seismic data.

Egypt managing director Gamal Kassem said: “Egypt is important for Neptune and we are pleased to build on our strong relationships with the Ministry of Petroleum and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation“.

Neptune added that the project involved placing large numbers of autonomous sensors on the seabed to acquire seismic data, then retrieving them for analysis.

The process acquires more detailed data than standard technologies and is less sensitive to weather conditions which can impact traditional seismic survey vessels.

Neptune’s VP exploration and development, Gro Haatvedt, stated: “It’s very exciting to have been involved in the OBN seismic survey, the first time the technology has been deployed in Egyptian waters”.

Haatvedt added: “Obtaining subsalt imaging is particularly tough and the OBN technology was well-suited for this purpose.

“The next step is to analyse the data which has greatly improved our understanding of the block and will support our future plans including potential exploratory wells”.