Ask the experts : Geograf

Q. As exploration in Russia begins to focus on the Eastern and Northern off-shore areas, what role will seismic surveying play in this effort?

Answer:
We anticipate a traditional role, possibly with a first acquisition of 2D seismic followed by subsequent 3D surveys. Challenges will however occur on the technical side, by operation in environmentally very harsh areas, with ice on sea surface, tough weather and in general difficult operating conditions will be likely.

Q. The quality of seismic data is related to the quality of navigation data. What are the main challenges to be faced in integrating this data and ultimately improving the accuracy of 4D seismic data?

Answer:
The quality of the reservoir model used in connection with exploration will be used dependant upon the seismic interpretation. A good interpretation will often require good quality seismic data, which again requires navigation of high quality. So a well planned exploration seismic survey combined with good management and excellent handicraft through the appreciation workflow will definitely reduce the risks and secure success in the reservoir.

Q. Increasing the accuracy of monitoring equipment in real-time can require more power – how difficult is it to do this in a marine environment? How can companies get round these difficulties?

Answer:
In terms of vessel size and vessel engine power, it appears to be difficult. In that respect does not the orders of new seismic vessels look as an uplift compared to previous generation. The industry is consolidating and the future will perhaps contain breakdown of responsibility to sectors like vessel owners, geophysical contractors and service companies responsible for seismic data appreciation onboard the vessel.

Q. Equally increasing the accuracy of readings requires new science with more powerful algorithms analysing and optimizing raw data. What kind of new developments has the industry seen in the last year?

Answer:
Due to poor global marked conditions for the seismic industry during in the years 1995 to 2005 and industry consolidation in the oil industry, cost savings has been on top of the priority list. Little funding for advanced technology (R&D) in the traditional marked has been available.

In the last few years, “the big companies have become bigger” and “majors have become super majors”. Those consolidations have prepared new grounds for newcomers with different business plans and new and advance technology to push the industry further into the future hunt after “the black gold” prospects. We believe that niche companies with specific technology and high qualified personnel, for example a company like Geograf, definitely will make significant contributions in this respect.

Q. This is a technical area – what is the advantage of employing consultants with experience of both data quality and processing onboard operations?

Answer:
Perform execution of a safe and low risk operation and secure the data quality at acquisition time is the key for success. The right qualification on personnel close to the action is therefore an important requirement in this respect.

Q. You’re a Norwegian company – what operation in the Russia/CIS regions do you have or have planned?

Answer:
Geograf has future plans for this region. However these plans are at an early stage and have not manifested themselves completely yet.