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ХХХ 06.02.12 Reuters reports that Spanish oil company Repsol YPF has begun drilling the first well in Cuba's long-awaited exploration of offshore oilfields.
The Scarabeo 9 drilling rig, which arrived in Cuban waters two weeks ago, began drilling about 30 miles northwest of Havana earlier this week.
Sources close to the project said such wells generally take about 60 days to complete.
Repsol, which is operating the rig in a consortium with Norway's Statoil and ONGC Videsh, a unit of India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp, has said it will take several months to determine the results of the exploration.
The well is the first of at least three that will be drilled in Cuban waters with the Scarabeo 9, which was built in China and is owned by Saipem, a unit of Italian oil company Eni.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 03.02.12 Searcher commences Mariner 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Project.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd announced that the Mariner 2D Seismic Project has commenced. The seismic project will comprise 3,100 km long offset 2D non-exclusive seismic data and 9,700 km of Super-Tie reprocessing for the 2012 Proposed Acreage Release. At the time of writing, over 1,600 km of new data has been acquired and the full data set should be available for interpretation by early July 2012.
The survey will provide a modern grid of data (Approximately 5 x 5km) and includes a substantial unexplored Upper Jurassic graben, which are commonly associated with prolific oil source rocks elsewhere on the Northwest Shelf (For example, Dingo Claystone in the Carnarvon Basin, Vulcan Fm in the Vulcan Graben). This new data provides the first opportunity to evaluate the upper Jurassic petroleum system. The area also has significant potential for large gas prospects in Plover Fm and the underlying Triassic section.
The project has been designed to integrate seamlessly with SearcherТs Offshore Canning and Outer Browse PSTM Super-Tie reprocessing to provide the most comprehensive data set available over the region.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 03.02.12 Polarcus awarded second 3D acquisition project offshore Greenland.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent from Shell Kanumas A/S for a nominal 8,500 sq. km 3D seismic acquisition project offshore Greenland.
The project, to be acquired by two ICE-1A/1A class vessels, POLARCUS AMANI and POLARCUS SAMUR, will commence in Q3 2012.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 01.02.12 Free fall lifeboat systems for world's biggest floating offshore installation - Shell FLNG.
Norsafe signed the prestige-contract with Samsung Heavy Industries in South-Korea for delivery of large free fall lifeboats and davit arrangements for the worldТs biggest floating offshore installation.
Including this contract, the Norsafe Group has secured more than 30 offshore free fall lifeboat systems in their order book.
The Shell FLNG facility itself will be 488 metres long and 74 metres wide. Fully loaded it will weigh around 600,000 tons. Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) is the complete project name, where Shell is 100% owner and Operator.
Prelude is an offshore gas field situated 475 km north east of the city Broome, Western Australia. FLNG technology is an important development for the LNG industry. It reduces both the project costs and the environmental footprint of an LNG development by removing the need for long pipelines to shore, compression platforms to transfer the gas to shore, and large land-based processing installations.
With FLNG technology, the gas is processed at the field, where ocean-going LNG carriers will offload liquefied gas (chilled to minus 162░ Celsius and reduced in volume by 600 times) directly from the installation at sea for delivery to markets worldwide.
The FLNG installation has been designed to withstand severe weather conditions, even a Category 5 cyclone. The GES50 free fall lifeboats from Norsafe are selected from many international bidders.
This reward represents a strong acknowledgement of Norsafe's position as the world leader in design and manufacturing of Life Saving Appliances for ships and offshore installations.
The lifeboats for Shell FLNG have a capacity of 70 persons each and are certified for a drop height of 40 metres. Free fall lifeboats offer the crew the safest evacuation of the installation in an emergency situation.
Norsafe order book reached 1 billion Norwegian kroner in 2011 and provides a strong commercial foundation for further development of the company, its products and its customer services. With Norsafe's strong economical solidity as a foundation, the market is secured the best products for the future.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 31.01.12 GulfMark orders Arctic newbuild.
GulfMark Offshore will proceed with an option to build another $60 million ST-216 Arctic service vessel, the Houston-based service company said Monday.
Built by Simek A/S of Flekkefjord, Norway, the dynamically positioned vessel will have "rescue and oil recovery" capabilities with more than 1000 square metres of deck space, the company said.
Delivery is due in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Source: Upstreamonline

ХХХ 27.01.12 RXT contract award in West Africa.
Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA has received final contract award from Hess Equatorial Guinea, Inc. for an Ocean Bottom Cable survey on the Elon Field area of the Okume Field off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, West Africa. The objective of the project is to replicate a 2003 streamer survey making the Ocean Bottom Cable survey a 4D monitor survey.
The total survey duration is expected to be 42 days and the estimated contract value is $13 million. The project is scheduled to commence in January 2012 with planned completion in February 2012. Hess' partners in the block are Tullow Oil and GE Petrol.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 25.01.12 Searcher to acquire Bikuda Bulador 2D Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd on behalf of the SC 58 Joint Venture, is acquiring 1,000km of new 2D seismic data over the greater Bikuda Ц Bulador prospect area in the northern sector of SC 58, Philippines.
The Bikuda and Bulador prospects are located in the northern sector of the block and were high-graded by subsurface work undertaken during 2011. The survey will help to mature these prospects to drillable status, so they can be considered as candidates to meet the Sub-Phase 3 commitment well due before 23rd January 2014.
The Bikuda Bulador Survey complements SearcherТs Pala-Sulu Seismic Survey, which covers the Palawan, Mindoro-Cuyo, Sulu Sea and Sandakan Basins. The Pala-Sulu survey is a long offset 2D new acquisition which has the primary objective to provide a consistent link between the basin architecture of East and West Palawan to create a uniform stratigraphic framework.
The Bikuda Bulador 2D Seismic Survey will commence in January 2012, and utilises state of the art acquisition and processing to ensure the resulting dataset is of the highest quality. A full suite of deliverables will be produced during the processing to allow for further studies such as basin modelling, AVO and inversion.
The program will be acquired by the Seabird' seismic ship Aquila Explorer.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 25.01.12 CGX completes 3D seismic program on Corentyne license.
CGX Energy Inc. report that the 1,160 square kilometre 3D marine seismic contract that was announced on December 5, 2011 has been completed.
The seismic acquisition was performed by the PGS Ramform Challenger, a state-of-the-art seismic ship owned by a subsidiary of Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS). PGS used their dual-sensor GeoStreamerо technology, which was instrumental in delivering high quality data.
Stephen Hermeston, President and CEO stated, "This 3D seismic contract was completed ahead of schedule and was under budget. We are very pleased with the proficiency and technology utilized by PGS in acquiring this 3D seismic data on our behalf. The seismic data is expected to provide better imaging of the up-dip limits of the Eagle Deep stratigraphic play at the Turonian and Campanian and has provided us with the first 3D seismic coverage on our two early Cretaceous, Albian prospects (Crabwood and Kabukalli) which are underlying the Company's 100% owned Corentyne offshore Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL).
Fast track processing and interpretation of the data will commence on the Albian prospects and will be followed by processing, interpretation and compilation of the Eagle deep Turonian and Campanian prospects. CGX would like to thank the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Ministries and related Agencies of the Government of Guyana for their cooperation in fast-tracking this seismic acquisition program and PGS for their outstanding contract performance."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 24.01.12 Dolphin Geophysical received a LOI from NPD.
Dolphin Geophysical has received a Letter of Intent from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate for the acquisition and processing of 8.000-10.000 km of 2D seismic data on the Norwegian Continental Shelf North of 64 degrees North.
The program will be acquired with the Ice-class vessel Artemis Atlantic, commence around the 1st of May and is expected to run for approximately three months. The contract value is up to a maximum of NOK 72 mill.
"We are very pleased that NPD has chosen Dolphin and our Ice-class 2D capacity for this important program", says Atle Jacobsen, CEO, "and we look forward to further exploring the arctic frontier where our existing operational experience will be utilised."
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 23.01.12 Polarcus awarded 3D acquisition project for Polarcus Samur.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed a Letter of Intent with an undisclosed client for a 3D seismic acquisition project offshore West Africa.
The project, to be acquired by Polarcus Samur will commence in late January and is expected to run for approximately 40 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 23.01.12 Dolphin Geophysical received Letter of Award for a 3D survey offshore India.
Dolphin Geophysical has received a Letter of Award from an undisclosed client for the acquisition of a 3D survey offshore India. The survey will be acquired with the M/V Artemis Arctic and is expected to be completed in early April 2012.
Atle Jacobsen, CEO commented: "We are very pleased to be awarded this additional work in India, securing continuous work for the Artemis Arctic until she returns to the North Sea".
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 23.01.12 Dolphin Geophysical secures a Multi-Client agreement and 3D seismic acquisition contract for Polar Duke.
Dolphin Geophysical has reached final agreement with Petrosen to commence acquisition of a 3D Multi-Client survey covering nearly 3,600 sq km offshore Senegal. The survey will commence early March and is highly funded by industry. Dolphin already has 2D seismic data over this area, acquired in 2011 and the acquisition of 3D data is a natural progression for these prospective areas which require better focus and defining.
Further, Dolphin Geophysical has received a LOA for additional 3D contract work and combined with the existing backlog and Multi-Client commitment, Polar Duke will have a firm backlog until end of third quarter 2012.
Additional details will be disclosed as part of the Q4 earnings release on the 21st Feb 2012.
CEO Atle Jacobsen commented: "Our recent contract awards, pre-funding levels and improved visibility confirms a continued strengthened 3D seismic market. We are pleased that both our high capacity 3D seismic vessels will be fully occupied until end of third quarter 2012."
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 19.01.12 MEO completes seismic acquisition in Timor Sea.
MEO Australia Limited advised that the S/R Veritas Viking II completed acquisition of the 170 km Zeppelin 2D seismic survey in AC/P53 in the Ashmore Cartier region of the Timor Sea (Vulcan sub-basin) at 21:02 (WST) on January 17, 2012.
This survey included a tie line to the 507 km2 Zeppelin 3D survey over part of AC/P50 and AC/P51 which will commence as soon as the Viking II reconfigures streamers for 3D acquisition.
The combination of long offset 2D seismic in AC/P53 and 3D seismic in AC/P50 and AC/P51 will provide the technical basis for generating targets for consideration as potential future drilling candidates.
AC/P53 was awarded to MEO in July 2011. The Zeppelin 2D seismic survey advances the Permit Year 2 obligation to acquire 150 km long offset 2D seismic into Permit Year 1.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 18.01.12 TGS announced plans to commence 3D Multi-client survey offshore Angola.
TGS has reached final agreement with Sonangol E.P. to commence acquisition of a 3D multi-client survey covering nearly 12,500 km2 offshore Angola. The survey will initially commence over blocks 36 and 37 in late January, then continue over block 35 with acquisition scheduled to complete during Q3 2012. These are highly prospective deep water pre-salt blocks awarded by state-owned Sonangol to E&P companies in late December 2011.
The high-potential pre-salt hydrocarbon play off the coast of Angola lies between 2,000 and 5,000 meters below sea level. Angola is already Africa's second largest oil producer and the conjugate margin pre-salt basins, which are believed to be similar to hydrocarbon rich basins offshore Brazil, open a new frontier in petroleum exploration.
"We look forward to our new, long-term relationship with Sonangol to support oil and gas exploration in the Republic of Angola," commented Rod Starr, Senior VP Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific for TGS. "Entry into this market is consistent with our plans for strategic growth. TGSТ commitment to expanding multi-client data in the offshore areas of West Africa has extended over 10 years and we are excited to have the opportunity to now add 3D data in offshore Angola to the TGS data library."
TGS has chartered vessel capacity for this project. TGS will process the 3D seismic data in both time and depth using its proven sub-salt capability developed in similar basins. Preliminary products will be available to participating companies in Q4 2012 with a final processed product expected by Q4 2013.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 18.01.12 Spectrum commenced new multi-client seismic survey offshore Namibia.
Spectrum, in partnership with CGGVeritas and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), has commenced a new 2D Multi-Client seismic survey covering the deepwater Orange Basin, offshore Namibia.
The first exploration well (Kudu 9A-1), drilled in 1973, discovered the Kudu gas field.
The program includes the acquisition of around 7,000 km of long offset data covering both held and open blocks in the Orange Basin. A good level of prefunding has been obtained from companies to provide support for the program.
Seabird Exploration is providing the acquisition services through their Northern Explorer vessel which has recent experience of operating in Namibian waters. The data will be processed through full pre-stack time migration and include added-value products such as angle stacks and AVO products. Due to the frontier nature of the area, Spectrum will also be offering a 'Fast Model' Pre-Stack Depth Migration (PSDM) sequence, provided as part of the standard deliverables for the project. Final deliverables are expected to be available in June 2012. Offshore Namibia is considered highly under-explored. In an area covering more than 500,000 km2 only fifteen wells have so far been drilled, seven of these in the Kudu gas field area alone. The first exploration well (Kudu 9A-1), drilled in 1973, discovered the Kudu gas field.
Over 20,000 km of high-quality 2D Multi-Client data from offshore Namibia is also available through Spectrum, in eight individual surveys. Each survey has been designed and acquired to target key structures within the offshore area. The data vintages range from the 1989 regional survey, through detailed block specific surveys. These include the 2003 survey acquired around the Ondjou prospect in the northern Walvis Basin, a comprehensive suite of surveys around the Kudu field and those covering the Orange and Luderitz Basins.
Source: Spectrum

ХХХ 16.01.12 Octanex has completed the first of three 3D seismic surveys being gathered over its Southern Bonaparte basin permits off Western Australia.
Melbourne-based Octanex announced the completion of the Rissa 3D survey on Monday which saw about 331 square kilometres of 3D data gathered over permit WA-422-P. The survey was carried out on the northern end of the Londonderry High which the company said was viewed as a potential natural focus for oil migration. The shoot was carried out to better resolve the leads at the target reservoirs of the Early Cretaceous Sandpiper sandstones and Jurassic Elang and Plover formations.
Octanex is earning a 60% stake in WA-422-P by funding 100% of the cost of the Rissa shoot and the costs of reprocessing existing 2D seismic over the permit.
Seabird ExplorationТs Voyager Explorer seismic is being used to carry out the 3D surveys for Octanex off Western Australia, with the remaining two to be shot over OctanexТs wholly owned WA-407-P and WA-420-P.
Source: Upstreamonline

ХХХ 13.01.12 MEO Australia executes contracts with CGGVeritas.
MEO Australia has executed a contract with CGGVeritas Services for the acquisition of three marine seismic surveys including 170 line km long-offset 2D seismic in exploration permit AC/P53 and two separate 3D surveys totalling 1,108 sq km across exploration permits AC/P50 and AC/P51 (507 sq km) and WA-454-P (601 sq km) offshore northern Australia.
MEO Australia holds a 100% participating interest in all four exploration permits.
Acquisition to commence Jan 16 2012 with expected duration 55 days.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 12.01.12 PGS Starts 26 000 sq km MC3D Survey offshore Angola.
The Ramform Valiant, a seismic vessel owned and operated by Petroleum Geo-Services ASA, has started acquisition of over 26,000 sq km of GeoStreamerо data in five blocks in the Kwanza/Benguela Basins in Angola. The size of the survey area corresponds to an area slightly larger than Massachusetts or Wales. Following the block awards made on December 20th, BP, Total and Statoil have been made operators of blocks 24, 25, 38, 39 and 40. Sonangol is a partner in all of the blocks.
All four oil companies have committed to funding the survey.
In February, the PGS Apollo will join the Ramform Valiant and acquisition will continue with both vessels until Q4 2012.
PGS teams will start processing data in March, utilizing the latest depth imaging technology and building on their experience of illuminating pre-salt targets in Angola. Together, the two vessels will operate 20 vessel months on this project.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 12.01.12 Eni completes acquisition of Bathurst 3D seismic over Blackwood East structure.
MEO Australia has been advised by Eni Australia, as operator of permit NT/P68, that acquisition of the Bathurst 3D seismic survey covering the Blackwood East structure has been completed. The survey vessel M/V Veritas Viking II was released on January 5 2012. A total of 766 sq km of 3D data was acquired.
The survey was acquired pursuant to a farm-in agreement with Eni Australia dated May 17 2011, inder which Eni had the option to earn a 50% interest in the Blackwood gas discovery by acquiring a minimum 500 sq km 3D seismic survey over the Blackwood area and drilling one exploration well. Eni has 365 days from the date of completion of the 3D seismic survey to elect whether or not to drill the Blackwood-2 well.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 11.01.12 Bourbon opens office into Saint Petersburg.
Bourbon has opened a new affiliate office in Saint Petersburg, Bourbon Baltic. It complements BourbonТs current operations in Sakhalin.
The office will be used to optimize crew recruitment and continue offering oil and gas clients around the world with ship management services.
"Thanks to Bourbon BalticТs strategic location, we will be able to draw from a large pool of graduates of prestigious marine academies as well as maritime industry workers who are recognized globally as being highly competent and experienced," said BOURBON's Senior Vice President, Fleet Management Marine & Subsea Services, Frank Dambrin.
"This further strengthens our position as an offshore service provider dedicated to meeting the most demanding needs of our global oil and gas clients."
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 11.01.12 RXT has received a contract award for Ocean Bottom Seismic.
The multi-component seismic company Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA (RXT) has received an contract award for an Ocean Bottom Seismic (OBC) survey for the Kvitebjorn Field in Norway for Statoil. The main objective is to improve structural interpretation and achieve better illumination of fault planes to improve fault interpretation. The survey duration is estimated to be minimum 70 days and the estimated contract value is minimum $14m, depending on final survey design.
The survey is scheduled to commence in second quarter, 2012.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 10.01.12 Ten more Falcon ROVs for Russia.
Ten more Saab Seaeye Falcon ROVs have been ordered by Russian JSC Tetis Pro, bringing the total sold into the Russian Federation to 24 and more are planned.
Most of the ROVs will be used for civil defence emergencies and dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.
They will be installed aboard search and rescue vessels, ready to survey for objects using multi-beam sonar. Two will also go to EMERCOM Ц the Russian Centre of Preparation to be deployed aboard a Russian Naval vessel.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 09.01.12 Sercel has confirmed the fifth installation in the past year of its advanced integrated navigation system, SeaPro Nav.
CGGVeritas selected SeaPro Nav as its navigation system of choice and is expected to equip more than ten additional vessels in the companyТs fleet by the end of 2012.
This successful commercial uptake follows a positive response to the innovative features offered by SeaPro Nav for the full range of towed-streamer seismic acquisition techniques from 2D and 3D to wide-azimuth and multi-vessel operations.
SeaPro Nav has been designed with a flexible multi-vessel architecture to allow for the fast adoption of new seismic acquisition techniques. The system is also fully compatible with SercelТs industry-leading marine equipment, such as the Sentinelо solid streamer and Nautilusо streamer control system.
Laurent Dollon, Senior Vice President, Operations, Marine, CGGVeritas, said: "The decision to deploy SeaPro Nav across our fleet is the result of its excellent performance and the positive feedback we received from our crews onboard the vessels already equipped with the system. SeaPro Nav offers an advanced real-time positioning solution and innovative applications that improve safety and productivity."
Pascal Rouiller, CEO, Sercel, said: "The excellent performance of SeaPro Nav confirms the systemТs success as the new standard for navigation. We are pleased to have been selected by CGGVeritas for the deployment of SeaPro Nav on their entire fleet of 3D seismic vessels."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 06.01.12 Spectrum announced 2D Multi-Client Seismic Survey offshore Indonesia.
Spectrum, in partnership with CGGVeritas and GeoData Ventures, will commence a new 2D Multi-Client seismic survey covering several open acreage blocks in the Sumba Straits, Indonesia, an area that has attracted significant industry interest.
The prefunded program is planned to cover 1,325 km and will commence early January 2012, with CGGVeritas providing acquisition and processing services. Final deliverables are expected to be available in March 2012.
Source: Spectrum

ХХХ 05.01.12 Polarcus awarded 3D acquisition project offshore Greenland.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Award from an undisclosed client for a 3D seismic acquisition project offshore Greenland.
The project will commence in July 2012 and is expected to run for approximately 70 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 20.12.11 TGS commences a second 3D Multi-client Seismic Survey offshore Northwest Australia.
TGS has commenced acquisition of a new 3D multi-client seismic survey, Mary Rose Northeast, which covers 3,100 km2 over the Exmouth Plateau in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore NW Australia. This survey is located over parts of blocks WA-365-P, WA-346-P and W10-21 to the Northeast of the previously announced NW Australia survey (Mary Rose) in October 2011. Upon completion of this survey, the TGS portfolio of 3D multi-client coverage in this highly prospective area offshore Australia will exceed 11,500 km2.
The seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Geo Atlantic and will be complete in Q1 2012. A fast track volume will be available to the industry in Q2 2012 with final data available for the full survey in Q4 2012. The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 16.12.11 NorwayТs EMGS and oilfield services giant Schlumberger have forged a partnership for joint marketing of their respective services in the marine electromagnetic field, ending a patent row between the two companies.
Schlumberger said it would immediately withdraw from ongoing patent disputes in the UK, Netherlands and at the European Patent Office (EPO).
The Norwegian company reported earlier this week that the EPO had ruled that EMGS' patent for the use of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data for detection of hydrocarbons in submarine reservoirs was valid after it was challenged by a third party.
Under the co-operation pact, the two companies will enter into cross-licensing of patents for CSEM acquisition, as well as provide electromagnetic-related services such as processing, advanced modelling and earth model building.
EMGS chief executive Roar Bekker said he hoped the agreement would "enhance the adoption of electromagnetic technology".
The Norwegian contractor specializes in electromagnetic survey technology intended to provide more accurate reservoir data to optimize exploration drilling and thereby reduce costs.
Source: Upstreamonline

ХХХ 15.12.11 Petrobangla has approved a plan by ConocoPhillips to conduct seismic survey in Bangladesh's offshore blocks in February amid hopes for a discovery of a large hydrocarbon structure in the Bay of Bengal.
Senior Petrobangla officials said the start of the 2D survey by the US oil giant would usher in hunt for oil and gas in the country's deep waters, part of which still remain no-go area due to claims by India and Myanmar.
ConocoPhilips informed Petrobangla that it had hired a Chinese contractor to do the two-dimensional survey, whose results can ascertain presence of oil and gas in a structure, but can't pinpoint the size of the discovery.
"We've approved the ConocoPhillips's proposal to award the contract to the Chinese company BGP. It can now start seismic survey as soon as possible," Petrobangla Director on PSC Muhammad Imaduddin told the FE Tuesday.
He said the seismic survey by ConocoPhillips to delineate the deep offshore prospects will be the country's first-ever deep water hydrocarbon hunt. Irish company Cairn had earlier found gas in shallow water at Sangu in 1990s.
Australian oil company Santos now operates the country's lone operational offshore gas field just off the coast of Chittagong with average natural gas production of only around 14 mmcfd.
"The ConocoPhillips's exploration will help discover the country's deep water hydrocarbon prospects in the Bay of Bengal. It can go a long way to ensure our future energy security," he added.
Minimum work programme, under the deal, includes carrying out 973 line km seismic survey and drilling one (optional) well during the initial exploration period.
During the first extended exploration period ConocoPhillips will have to carry out 500 sqkm 3D seismic survey and drill one exploration well having a minimum of 2200 meter from seabed, as minimum bided work programme.
Because of a maritime dispute with Myanmar and India, the US firm will have an access to 5,158 square kilometres areas in the Bay.
It will get another 1,605 sq km for exploration if the maritime dispute with the neighbouring countries is resolved in Bangladesh's favour.
The two blocks that ConocoPhillips has been awarded lie in a water-depth of 1,000-1,500 meters and are some 280 kilometres off Chittagong.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 13.12.11 Northern Petroleum reports the completion of a 2D seismic survey in the southern Adriatic Sea covering the Rovesti and Giove oil discoveries.
A total of 600 kilometres of data was collected over the F.R39.NP & F.R40.NP licence areas offshore Italy by the MV Princess on hire from CGGVeritas with the aim of obtaining more complete and better quality data. This will be used to upgrade definition of prospects identified on previous seismic data and a further 3D survey is planned for next year, the exploration company has indicated.
Already the two licence areas are known to contain the Rovesti and Giove oil discoveries and ten other prospects have been mapped.
Northern has previously signed a deal with Azimuth Limited, which will earn 15% in the permit by funding a future work up to the drilling phase.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 13.12.11 Polarcus awarded 3D acquisition project offshore West Africa.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed a Letter of Intent with an undisclosed client for a 3D seismic acquisition project offshore West Africa. The project will commence in January and is expected to run for approximately four months.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 12.12.11 TGS commences Multi-client 3D Wide Azimuth Survey in Gulf of Mexico.
TGS has commenced acquisition of a 3D multi-client wide azimuth (WAZ) survey covering 11,655 km2 in the Gulf of Mexico in partnership with WesternGeco.
The survey, Patriot WAZ 3D, will be the first orthogonal WAZ survey covering a large portion of the existing Freedom WAZ data set. Following the acquisition of Patriot WAZ the data will be combined with Freedom WAZ and the resulting image will provide the industry with an additional level of subsurface clarity. Upon completion of Patriot, the TGS portfolio of WAZ coverage will exceed 39,000 km2.
"TGS is excited to resume our multi-client activity in the Gulf of Mexico and to provide the industry with modern seismic imaging in the most prolific and productive oil producing area of the deep water Gulf of Mexico. We have been active in this region of the Gulf of Mexico since 1998 and believe this data set will aid oil companies in their exploration and production needs for the area," commented Stein Ove Isaksen, Senior VP North & South America for TGS.
The new seismic data is being acquired by a four vessel WAZ fleet. The data will be processed by TGS and preliminary products will be available to participating companies in 2013 with a final processed product expected by Q1 2014.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 12.12.11 MEO Kicks Off Seismic Survey in Seruway PSC.
MEO Australia Ltd. advised that its wholly owned subsidiary Seruway Offshore Exploration Ltd. (SOEL) as operator for the Seruway PSC, has commenced the acquisition of the 705 km2 3D seismic data over the Ibu Horst area. SOEL holds a 100 percent interest in the PSC. The PGS seismic vessel M/V Pacific Explorer has completed the safe deployment of 8 streamers and has commenced field data acquisition. The program is expected to be completed in 30 days.
The acquisition of this 3D survey will fulfill the 2011 work program commitment and is expected to generate several drillable prospects as potential candidates for the commitment well due by the end of 2012.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 09.12.11 Fugro completes the acquisition of OBN.
Fugro reported that the deal with respect to the acquisition of the Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN) activity of Seabird Exploration PLC has been finalised.
The earlier agreed purchase price of USD 125 million is unchanged.
Source: Oilnews

ХХХ 08.12.11 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for Polarcus Amani.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed a Letter of Intent with TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (TGS) for the charter of the 12 - 14 streamer 3D seismic vessel POLARCUS AMANI. The charter, of minimum 5 months duration and subject to the execution of a service contract, will commence in April 2012 immediately after vessel delivery and shakedown.
POLARCUS AMANI is the first of two 12 - 14 streamer 3D seismic vessels ordered in November 2010 from Ulstein Verft AS of Norway. The vessels are being built to the ULSTEIN SX134 design and feature a high ice class ("ICE 1A super"), increased propulsion and other innovative efficiency enhancing features. The two newbuilds are scheduled for delivery end Q1 and end Q2 2012 respectively.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 07.12.11 Polarcus awarded 3D acquisition project for Polarcus Nadia.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed a Letter of Intent with an undisclosed client for a 3D seismic acquisition project offshore West Africa. The project, to be acquired by POLARCUS NADIA, will commence this month and is expected to run for approximately 30 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 06.12.11 Eni commits to Blackwood seismic survey.
MEO Australia Limited has received formal notification from Eni Australia Ltd (Eni) that it has committed to the acquisition of the Blackwood 3D seismic survey. The notification received is in accordance with the NT/P68 Farm-in Agreement.
Under the Farm-in Agreement, the option to commit to acquire the seismic was exercisable within 60 days after the Heron-3 well result and was for a minimum area of 500 km2.
Eni has contracted the Viking II from CGGVeritas to acquire a 698 km2 seismic survey (named the Bathurst 3D Seismic Survey) in Exploration Permit NT/P68 to the east of the Blackwood-1 discovery well. The survey is expected to commence in early December subject to the receipt of all required statutory approvals.
Under the terms of the Farm-in Agreement, Eni will pay MEOТs share of the costs to acquire and process the 3D seismic survey and will have 365 days from completion of the acquisition to elect whether or not to exercise its option to drill, and pay 100% of the cost of the Blackwood-2 well in order to retain its 50% interest in the Blackwood gas discovery.
MEO is pleased that Eni has elected to bring forward and expand the area of the seismic survey as this will enable more rapid assessment of the gas resources within NT/P68.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 06.12.11 MMT awarded survey contract in Mediterranean.
MMT has been contracted by Nexans Norway to carry out a pre-engineering marine survey of an 80m wide corridor between Qalet Marku in Malta and Marina di Ragusa in Sicily.
The survey operation will be conducted by MMT's survey vessel Franklin. Franklin is fully equipped to perform marine surveys at depths of between 10m and 2,000m. The survey set-up aboard the vessel is optimal for the proposed survey area with a maximum water depth of 157m.
Franklin will conduct all aspects of the offshore survey including the geophysical survey, geotechnical sampling and habitat mapping using a sub-bottom profiler, sidescan sonar, GNSS RTG, ROTV, multibeam echo sounder EM3002 and EM710.
The geotechnical sampling and habitat mapping will be conducted using a gravity corer and ROV.
Enemalta Corporation owns the 100km project for the HVAC Malta Ц Sicily Submarine Electrical Interconnector. The electrical interconnector has a nominal capacity of 200MW and is designed to provide Malta with its first power interconnection with mainland Europe.
The interconnector will reduce the islandТs reliance on local power generation and increase the security of electrical power supply. Nexans Norway has been awarded a turnkey contract which is commissioned by Enemalta Corporation.
The interconnector will be operational in 2013 and ensure that no less than 200MW is continuously delivered to the all receiving ends in order to facilitate the import and export of power between Malta and Sicily.
The subsea cable will run 100 km from Qalet-Marku in Malta to Marina di Ragusa on the coast of Sicily.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 05.12.11 TGS signs Letter of Award for 3D Vessel.
TGS announces that it has signed a letter of award with Dolphin Geophysical to charter the 12 streamer new build vessel, M/V Polar Duchess, for 3D multi-client projects in Europe during the 2012 summer season.
The charter is expected to begin during first half of April and will last for approximately six months.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 02.12.11 Searcher Seismic in conjunction with Philippines DOE announced commencement of acquisition of the Pala Sulu Non-Exclusive 2D Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd announced the commencement of acquisition of the Pala Sulu Non-Exclusive 2D Seismic Survey in the Philippines (project partner Seabird Exploration) in cooperation with the Philippines Department of Energy. This survey comprises 7,086km and covers the Palawan, Mindoro-Cuyo, Sulu Sea and Sandakan basins.
The Pala-Sulu seismic survey will for the first time provide a consistent link between the basins to create a uniform stratigraphic framework. The survey has been designed to better define the tectonic framework of the PhilippinesТ most important petroleum basins and to improve the imaging of the lower sedimentary sections and basement.
The survey commenced in November 2011, and utilises state of the art acquisition and processing to ensure the resulting dataset is of the highest quality. A full suite of deliverables will be produced during the processing to allow for further studies such as basin modelling, AVO and inversion.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 30.11.11 Damen received an order from Groen to build a pair of seismic research and support vessels.
The Dutch arm of Damen Shipyards Group has received an order from shipping outfit Groen to build a pair of seismic research and support vessels (SRSVs).
The order will be the first SRSVs built by Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam, DamenТs subsidiary.
Netherlands-based Saltwater Engineering helped design the SRSVs, both of which will be 40 metres long with a 9.3-metre beam. The vessels will be delivered in the first quarter of 2013, Damen said.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Maaskant Shipyards specialises in maintenance and repair of offshore support vessels, fishing vessels, guard vessels and standby vessels. The shipyard also delivers fishing and offshore support newbuilds.
Source: Upstreamonline

ХХХ 29.11.11 Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA avarded a contract for acquisition of 4C seismic data in West Africa.
The multi-component seismic company Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA (RXT) has been awarded a contract with Afren Energy Services Ltd for acquisition of 4C seismic data in West Africa.
Start up of the project will be end November and the survey is estimated to take 26 days. The contract value is up to USD 3.5 million and the work will be done by the vessel Vikland while the vessel Ocean Pearl goes into dock to do a five year class inspection.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 28.11.11 SeaBird confirms sale of Ocean Bottom Node business.
SeaBird Exploration PLC (SeaBird) has confirmed that is entered into a share and purchase agreement with Fugro Norway AS on 18 November 2011.
Under the agreement, Fugro will acquire SeaBird Technologies and Seabed Navigation Company Limited, which collectively hold all of the company's rights and assets related to the ocean bottom node (OBN) business for the agreed acquisition price of US$125 million, payable in cash.
SeaBird said the exact date for closing of the transaction "is not defined," but is expected within two to four weeks of the agreement.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 25.11.11 RXT received LOI regarding acquisition of 4D/4C seismic data in West Africa. The multi-component seismic company Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA (RXT) has entered into a LOI with an international oil company regarding acquisition of 4D/4C seismic data in West Africa. The intention is to conclude the final contract during December and start up of the project will be in end Q4 2011. The work will be done by the vessels Ocean Pearl and Vikland and is estimated to take 45 days, depending on the final lay out of the acquisition design.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 23.11.11 Chinese BGP has named Marlink as its supplier of high quality and high capacity VSAT satellite communications for its fleet of advanced seismic vessels.
The latest vessel to join the fleet is the 100m BGP Prospector recently delivered from a leading Korean shipyard and equipped with Marlink's SealinkЩ C-Band, SCPC VSAT. The BGP Prospector has a1 MB full duplex and dedicated satellite communication service to support a range of applications on board.
BGP operates seismic vessels on a global basis to provide its customers with marine seismic data acquisition. The company's fleet is able to acquire high-quality 2D, 3D, 4D, and OBC Marine Seismic Data using the latest, state-of-the-art technology. The vessels are operating in the Gulf of Mexico, South America, West Africa, the North Sea, the Red Sea, the Bay of Bengal and South-East Asia. BGP has a long term strategy in developing new technology to improve both acquisition and processing of seismic data and reliable connectivity is crucial to supporting this commitment.
Gunnar Valle, Director for Marlink in Asia commented, "Our long term relationship with BGP is testament to our position as the premier provider of high quality and cost effective services, backed by local customer support and a commitment to our important region.
Marlink has a dedicated sales and service team based in Singapore which is likely to expand further in support of our growing customer base in Asia. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of both VSAT on MSS solutions, Marlink is able to satisfy any customer requirement for connectivity by customising a service package to satisfy specific vessel needs."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 22.11.11 Dolphin Geophysical new 3D seismic contract North West Africa.
Dolphin Geophysical has signed one out of potential three 3D contracts in Africa, as previously disclosed as upcoming work for Polar Duke. If all contracts materialize in line with management expectation, the vessel will be occupied in Africa from December until April 2012.
Following a successful long season with high seismic demand in the Norwegian Barents Sea, Polar Duke ceased contract operations in early November, then performed various guarantee and yard work in Aberdeen. Awaiting permitting in West Africa, the vessel is carrying out seismic acquisition and equipment testing in the vicinity of the UK Blakeney area, before departure estimated to be end of this week.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 21.11.11 Neptune Larissa is 50th vessel designed by Ulstein Design.
The IMR/subsea construction vessel Neptune Larissa, a SX130 design developed by Ulstein Design in Norway, which was delivered by Zhejiang Shipbuilding Ltd to shipowner Neptune Offshore on 15 November, in the 50th ship designed by Ulstein Group.
As highlighted previously, Reef Subsea has signed five-year charter agreements for Neptune Larissa and her sister vessel Neptune Despina. They will be renamed Reef Despina and Reef Larissa.
Ulstein introduced its new generation of ship designs in 2000, designs that include the now well-known Ulstein X-BOW used on the new Neptune newbuilds.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 18.11.11 Cooper Energy completes Nabeul 3D seismic acquisition.
Cooper Energy has reported that the marine 3D seismic survey over the western portion of the Nabeul Permit has been completed on time and within budget. The 600 km2 full-fold data 3D survey was acquired by CGGVeritas between 13 September 2011 and 15 November 2011.
The Nabeul Permit Joint Venture comprises Cooper Energy as Operator with 85% and Dyas with 15%. The objectives of the 3D survey were to mature the Alpha, Gamma and Up-dip La Marsa leads in the western portion of the Nabeul Permit adjacent to the Birsa and Oudna oilfields. The 3D seismic was successfully acquired using the CGGVeritas BroadSeis technology, a new innovative solution for high-resolution marine seismic.
The 3D seismic data will now be processed by CGGVeritas in Singapore. It is expected that the data will be available for interpretation by Q3 2012. The high resolution 3D seismic is expected to enable the Nabeul Permit Joint Venture to define and accurately locate a well scheduled to be drilled by 2013.
Mr David Maxwell , Managing Director of Cooper Energy noted "The completion of the Nabeul 3D seismic survey is a key step in maturing a range of prospects in the Nabeul Permit in Tunisia for drilling in 2013."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 18.11.11 EMGS announced multi-client basalt mapping survey in Norwegian Sea.
EMGS will in the fourth quarter of 2011 perform a multi-client 3D magnetotelluric (MT) survey covering approximately 3000 sq. km2 in the More basin, Norwegian Sea. The project is pre-funded by ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Norway AS.
EMGS will rig EM Express (formerly the OHM Express) to undertake this work on a one-month charter.
Aslak Myklebostad, EMGS president multi-client eastern hemisphere, says: "The More basin is an exciting frontier area with challenging basalt geology. We have been pioneering the use of MT methods for understanding basin-scale geology, particularly where basalt or salt make the interpretation of other geophysical data challenging. The key objective of this MT survey is to determine the thickness of basalt layers and the sediments below."
Processed data will be available in the first quarter of 2012 and 3D inverted data will be available in the second quarter of 2012.
Whereas 3D CSEM surveying uses a high-power EM source to create a subsurface signal, the MT method uses natural signals generated from the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field. Both EM methods use the same receivers. MT data is particularly useful in understanding complex salt and basalt areas.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 17.11.11 Hyperdynamics commences deep water 3D seismic survey.
Hyperdynamics Corporation reported the commencement of its deep water 3D seismic survey off the coast of the Republic of Guinea.
Using the survey vessel Oceanic Endeavour seismic contractor CGGVeritas, will acquire 3D seismic data in a deep water area covering approximately 4,000 square kilometers in Hyperdynamics' oil and gas concession offshore Guinea in West Africa. After it completes the data acquisition phase of the project, CGGVeritas will also process the data.
The survey area is located just southwest of and adjacent to the 3D survey obtained by Hyperdynamics in 2010. The primary goal of this new survey is to investigate multiple possible deep water submarine fans in the equatorial Atlantic margin that were identified from a 2D seismic survey acquired in 2009.
Ray Leonard, Hyperdynamics CEO, commented, "The deep water 3D survey will utilize CGGVeritas' BroadSeis broadband solution, which is expected provide a clearer and more detailed image of the subsurface. This 3D survey is a critical next step in our ongoing Guinea exploration campaign, one that should further de-risk our acreage and help us identify the most promising deep water locations for future drilling."
Hyperdynamics operates the Guinea concession with a 77 percent participating interest, with the remaining 23 percent held by Aberdeen-based Dana Petroleum, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Korean National Oil Company.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 16.11.11 Dolphin Geophysical announced 2D Seismic Survey award offshore Brasil.
Dolphin Geophysical will commence acquisition of a new 2D Multi-Client seismic survey for Spectrum ASA in November 2011 which covers several blocks in the northern equatorial margin offshore Brasil. The survey area includes blocks expected to be announced for the 11th license round in second quarter 2012. The survey area contains recent discoveries in relatively unexplored basins.
The acquisition will focus on the Barreirinhas and Ceara basin with additional regional tie lines. Phase 1 of this program is 12,000 km. The survey is supported by industry pre-funding.
The seismic data will be acquired by the Polar Explorer. The data will be processed at SpectrumТs processing centre in Houston, with the final products scheduled for delivery during Q1 and Q2 2012 to coincide with the anticipated Licensing Round 11 close.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 15.11.11 Chariot Oil & Gas Ld - Commencement of Seismic Survey.
Chariot Oil & Gas Limited, the Africa focused oil and gas exploration company, announced that the 3D seismic acquisition programme in its Central Blocks has commenced in conjunction with Petroleum Geo-Services. The programme will cover 3,500 sq.km using the latest Geostreamer technology and is expected to take approximately 90 days.
The Central Blocks - Licence 19, blocks 2312 A & B and Northern halves of 2412 A & B - are located within the Luderitz and Walvis Basins and cover an area of 16,801 sq.km. Following reprocessing and reinterpretation of the existing 2D seismic data, Chariot and PGS have agreed to focus the 3D seismic acquisition programme in the northeastern area of the blocks. The attraction of this part of the acreage is the recognition of multiple target levels and numerous leads including analogues to the "Nimrod" feature in Chariot's Southern acreage with potentially two active oil prone source intervals. Overall these elements increase the likelihood of maturing multiple drilling targets within the 3D acquisition area. To capture as many of the high-graded leads as possible the survey has been extended to cover 3,500 sq.km from the originally planned 2,500 sq.km. An additional benefit is that the new 3D seismic area covers water depths ranging from 750-1,750m (significantly shallower than the depths in the originally proposed acquisition area) which will potentially result in a considerable reduction in expected well costs.
In keeping with Chariot's aggressive exploration programme, this 3D seismic survey will significantly exceed the minimum work and expenditure requirements of the terms of the First Renewal Phase as announced on 28 June 2011. It will also enable Chariot to further expand its prospect and lead inventory and mitigate risk as it looks to mature further targets for drilling.
Paul Welch, Chief Executive of Chariot, said: "As described in our recent technical update on 31 October 2011, this 3D acquisition programme is crucial to the understanding and development of our Central Blocks. We have identified new areas of interest that we believe will contain a significant number of drillable prospects and we look forward to receiving the data and interpreting this further."
Source: Oilvoice

ХХХ 15.11.11 Seismic Acquisition to Commence Offshore Malta.
Mediterranean O&G announced that the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Malta Oil Pty Ltd, has now entered into a contract with Fugro-Geoteam Pty Ltd ("Fugro-Geoteam"), who will undertake the acquisition of 1,000 square kilometers of long offset 3D seismic exploration data on behalf of the Company, in relation to its license commitment at Area 4 Offshore Malta.
Fugro-Geoteam's vessel, R/V Geo Barents, has commenced mobilization and the Company expects 3D seismic acquisition to commence on or about Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The estimated duration of the survey is about 30 days. Processing of 3D data will start immediately after the completion of the survey, with the objective of obtaining the results towards the end of 1Q 2012.
Sergio Morandi, Chief Executive Officer of Mediterranean Oil and Gas, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have entered the 3D seismic acquisition contract with Fugro- Geoteam, a world class operator. This new 3D seismic data should allow the company to complete the assessment of the exploration potential of Area 4 Offshore Malta. We are hopeful that the seismic survey will identify further prospects in the area and make the drilling of an exploration more attractive."
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 11.11.11 Lukoil registered in the Guinness Book of Records.
The LUKOIL's Varandey fixed offshore ice resistant oil terminal (FOIROT) has been registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the worldТs most northerly continuously operating oil terminal, namely, 69 degrees 03 minutes 11 seconds of the northern latitude.
The FOIROT is assembled at a 17-meter depth in the Barents Sea located 22 km off the coast of the Nenets Autonomous District. It is more than 50 meters tall and has a total weight of over 11,000 tons, which includes a substructure with living quarters, a mooring cargo handling system (MCHS) with a jib and a helicopter platform.
The FOIROT is connected to two underwater pipelines, 820 mm. in diameter, to pump the oil from the onshore tank battery with a capacity of 325,000 cu.m. The FOIROT was constructed by OOO LUKOIL-Kaliningradmorneft steelworks, a fabrication facility for metal structures used in construction. The FOIROT capacity totals 12 million tons of oil per year. Its first oil was exported on June 9, 2008. As of October 28, 2011, 20.4 million tons of oil had been loaded onto 295 tankers.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 11.11.11 IAGC: EM & Seismic Surveys Cut Risks, Raise Success.
IAGC announced the completion and publication of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of electromagnetic (EM) techniques used for oil and gas exploration and production in the marine environment. The EM EIA was funded by the member companies of the IAGC EM Subcommittee and prepared by LGL Limited environmental research associates.
Electromagnetic (EM) survey techniques can identify differences in the resistivity of subsurface rocks that may be related to the presence of hydrocarbons. This information, when combined with measurements from other techniques such as seismic surveys, can help oil and gas companies reduce exploration risk and improve drilling success rates.
EM survey technologies currently in use offshore use an electric dipole antenna (source) towed behind a vessel. The electric and magnetic fields - either natural or subsequently induced in the subsurface - are measured and recorded by an array of receivers. To date, these receivers have usually been deployed on the seafloor then retrieved to process the measurements. Tests are currently being conducted to commercialize a system that tows the receivers underwater behind the vessel, similar to the method used in most marine seismic surveys.
The goal of the EIA was to provide a comprehensive resource summarizing available literature and potential effects of EM technologies on marine life. Designed for a broad audience, the document provides a basic description of EM survey technologies, naturally-occurring EM fields, and the potential use of these fields by diverse animal groups.
The assessment focuses on survey activities considered to have at least some potential to affect marine animals, such as EM, noise, light emissions, and accidental events.
The EIA concluded that EM sources as presently used have no potential for significant effects on animal groups such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. In addition, cumulative effects from EM surveys are negligible compared to natural EM anomalies, induced fields from natural water currents, and anthropogenic EM sources such as those originating from undersea equipment.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 10.11.11 Nido Petroleum announced the commencement of 2D seismic operations in SC 54B.
Nido Petroleum Philippines, as Operator of Service Contract 54B (SC 54B), reported the commencement of 2D seismic operations in SC 54B. NDO's partners in SC 54B are Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. ('SPEX') and Yilgarn Petroleum Philippines Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Kairiki Energy Ltd).
The 2D seismic program will comprise approximately 323 line kilometers of 2D seismic data over the large Pawikan Lead located in the central sector of SC 54B. The survey will be acquired by seismic vessel contractor Nordic Maritime Pte Ltd using the 2D seismic vessel MV Nordic Energy.
Pre-survey operations commenced on October 30, 2011 with the deployment into the survey area of the MV 'Eagle V' to acquire a high resolution bathymetry survey ahead of the main seismic acquisition phase. The bathymetry work was completed on November 7, 2011. Seismic acquisition is scheduled to commence around November 25, 2011. The seismic survey will take approximately five days to acquire.
The Pawikan Lead lies 30 km to the south of the non-commercial Gindara-1 gas and oil discovery well which was drilled by the SC 54B Joint Venture earlier this year. The Gindara-1 well encountered a 144 meter gas column underlain by a 43 meter oil-leg in low porosity carbonates of the Nido Limestone Formation based on electric log interpretation.
The Pawikan Lead is a large inversion structure about 56sq km in size that is on trend with the Gindara-1 well and Malampaya gas field located 60km to the north in adjacent SC 38 which is operated by SPEX (refer attached map). The structure is also located 10km to the south-west of the producing Nido oil field in adjacent SC 14A and the undeveloped Nido 1X1 and Yakal-1 oil discoveries.
An independent Prospective Resource assessment of the Pawikan Lead undertaken by DeGolyer and MacNaughton1 for Nido estimates that the Pawikan Lead could potentially contain about 2 billion barrels of oil in place (gross, unrisked mean volume). The objective of the survey is to confirm the presence of a viable prospect for possible future drilling.
Source: Nido Petroleum

ХХХ 10.11.11 Total and Statoil in Shtokman tax call.
French giant Total and Norway's state-owned Statoil have sounded an urgent call for clarity on a tax regime for the Shtokman offshore natural gas field in the Barents Sea, in order to meet a deadline for a final investment decision by the end of the year.
"Urgent action is needed to resolve these critical issues, otherwise the future of the project is jeopardized," Tim Dodson, Statoil executive vice president for exploration and production, said at the Global Energy Intelligence day in Moscow.
The Russian government has still to grant tax breaks for Shtokman, which has Gazprom as controlling shareholder and Total and Statoil as minority partners.
"We hear lots of good things from the government. Well, we're ready to get the message not only in words, but in facts," Total chief executive Christophe de Margerie was quoted as saying by Dow Jones.
The project has been delayed on two occasions. Shareholders are due to make a final investment decision by the end of the year.
"In order to make the project economical viable and to move it forward, improved fiscal terms and fair and reasonable commercial terms for use of infrastructure by the foreign partners are required," Dodson said.
Russian officials have said Shtokman shareholders have still to submit the necessary documentation in order to grant them tax breaks. "If not, we will have to do it," de Margerie said when asked about submitting needed documentation. "We need now to move quickly."
Source: Upstream

ХХХ 08.11.11 Gazprom: Shtokman construction will start in 2012.
Construction of the onshore infrastructure for the Shtokman gas field will start in Teriberka in 2012, says General Director of Gazprom Dobycha Shelf Gennady Gavrilin. Tenders for drilling platforms will also be opened early next year.
While Norwegian Shtokman partner Statoil is impatiently waiting for a Russian government guarantee of tax breaks for the Shtokman project before making a final investment decision, Russian partners are more than ready to start construction and still believe that the first gas will come in 2016.
As soon as the shareholders in Shtokman Development make a final investment decision, which is expected in December, Gazprom daughter company Gazprom Dobycha Shelf will start construction of harbor facilities and communication lines in Teriberka.
Gazprom Dobycha also plans to post a tender for projecting of ice-classed platforms for Shtokman in the first quarter of 2012. The platforms have to be able to bear the harsh climatic conditions in the Barents Sea for 50 years.
Source: BarentsObserver

ХХХ 06.11.11 UK marks 25 years since Brent tragedy.
Sunday marks 25 years since 45 men died when the Chinook helicopter carrying them home from the Brent field crashed into the sea off Sumburgh in the Shetlands.
Apart from the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster, in which 167 died, the crash remains the largest loss of life in one incident suffered by the UK oil and gas industry.
The British International Helicopters' Boeing 234LR Chinook helicopter with 47 on board fell into the sea off Sumburgh after suffering a catastrophic forward transmission failure that desynchronised its twin rotors, causing them to collide . Two men survived and were rescued by a coastguard helicopter.
Source: Oilnews

ХХХ 04.11.11 Call for armed guards on UK flagged ships.
InterManager (an active member of the Save our Seafarers (SOS) campaign) is, after months of campaigning, delighted to hear the public vilification of piracy issued by the UK Government.
The SOS campaign has strived to bring recognition of the horrific and detrimental effect of Somali piracy to both Governmental and public awareness.
Alastair Evitt, President of InterManager, said that it was a quantum leap in public perception to hear the issue of piracy and merchant shipping addressed by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron so openly and frankly. Mr Cameron told the BBC yesterday: "Somali piracy is a complete stain on our world."
InterManager has campaigned for the freedom of Owners and Managers to choose to deploy armed guards onboard ships they manage. The UK Government's recognition of the value of armed guards and the right of the owner and manager to deploy them, in the right circumstances and in accordance with BMP4, is a great lead by the UK government and it is InterManager's firm belief that this stance should be adopted by all flags and charterers that still do not openly support it.
InterManager re-iterates its position that it is not calling for every vessel to have armed guards onboard, rather that when a detailed risk assessment deems this the preferred option, then individual flag state legislation or charter party clauses should not obstruct Owners and/or Managers in taking this decision.
InterManager further supports ongoing initiatives to licence the companies providing armed guards (based on qualification, competence and experience), to define the rules of engagement in the event of a pirate attack and to control the type and flow of weapons deployed both onboard and while in transit to and from vessels.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 03.11.11 Dolphin exercises option to charter high capacity 3D seismic vessel M/V Polar Duchess for a period of three years.
Dolphin Group ASA announced that it has formally exercised this option and will charter M/V Polar Duchess from Armada Seismic ASA for an initial firm period of 3 years. Dolphin can further extend the Charter by one extension period of 8 years, or two extension periods of 4 years each. The M/V Polar Duchess is expected to be taken on full charter in early April 2012 and be in operation during April 2012.
M/V Polar Duchess is a modern high-capacity 3D seismic vessel, with a towing capacity of 14 seismic cables and has been designed with strong focus on safety, optimised towing and a maximum speed of 20 knots. M/V Polar Duchess will be a sister ship to Polar Duke, which has performed flawlessly since she was launched in May 2011. The new Vessel is part of Dolphin's original company expansion plan.
Dolphin will be responsible for the seismic equipment investment of approximately USD 55 million dollars and the technical seismic design and outfitting, which will be performed during first quarter of 2012. Dolphin has previously raised equity capital for the project and is finalising additional external financing for the seismic equipment.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 02.11.11 Shell prepares for start of Offshore Alaska Drilling.
Royal Dutch Shell is currently deploying some workers and infrastructure in Alaska to start drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic next summer as the oil giant is "optimistic" that new legal challenges won't derail an exploration plan on which it has spent $4 billion, a senior executive said.
"We are already spending money building resources, putting people in place to be ready to drill in the summer of 2012," Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Co., the U.S. unit of the Anglo-Dutch giant, told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview. "Because the buildup time to have all the resources on time, it's a fairly long runway we have to start working now to be ready next summer. Spending is going to ramp up after the end of year, in the first months of next year."
The remarks came after some environmental groups filed this month a formal challenge to air-quality permits that Shell needs to drill in the Arctic. The permits under question were approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in September and they allow Shell to use the drillship "Discoverer" and a fleet of icebreakers and other vessels in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. In September, other environmental groups also sued the Interior Department for approving the company's exploration proposal for the Beaufort.
"We expect legal challenges every step of the way. But we are cautiously optimistic that we will be in a position to drill next year," Odum said.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 01.11.11 ION acquires additional Seismic Data Offshore Northeast Greenland.
ION Geophysical announced that it has acquired an additional 5,200 km of regional seismic data from offshore Northeast Greenland, bringing the total kilometers the company has acquired in the region over the last two seasons to nearly 18,000.
The Arctic is one of the least explored, most prospective regions in the world, containing an estimated one-quarter of the earthТs undiscovered hydrocarbons, including an estimated 90 billion barrels of oil and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The successful acquisition, during an extremely challenging ice year, was further validation of the companyТs proprietary, purpose-designed marine streamer technology that enables data acquisition in the presence of ice. This technology, coupled with ION's Arctic program management expertise, again enabled the company to acquire data further north and in the presence of heavier ice than had been previously possible, at the same time mitigating HSE risk and reducing cycle time.
In addition to its Northeast Greenland survey, ION was also engaged during the summer season in the 2011 Arctic Expedition at the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Russian Federation. The survey was performed by order of the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency, under the guidance of the State Research Navigation and Hydrographic Institute, in support of submission of Russia to the U.N. for extension of the limits of the continental shelf. Seismic data (approximately 6,000 km) was acquired over 57 days, culminating in the acquisition of data at a distance of less than 300 km of the North Pole.
Joe Gagliardi, ION's Arctic Solutions and Technology Director, commented, "This extension to our Greenland regional program and our acquisition in the Russian High Arctic served as further validation of the value of our proprietary Arctic acquisition technology. Together, this data provides the sponsoring entities with an understanding of the relationships among micro basins in the area, which they can use to more effectively assess the Arctic's hydrocarbon potential, identify new opportunities, and mitigate exploration risk."
Source: ION

ХХХ 31.10.11 Oceanic Sirius acquiring 3D BroadSeis Survey on Avaldsnes Field.
CGGVeritas announced that the first project for its recently launched Oceanic Sirius X-BOWо seismic vessel will be a 3D BroadSeisЩ survey on the Avaldsnes field, potentially estimated to be the third largest oil discovery in Norway, on behalf of Lundin Petroleum.
The Oceanic Sirius joined the CGGVeritas fleet on 3rd October and is now starting acquisition of the 3D BroadSeis survey for Lundin. As one of the most advanced, high-capacity seismic vessels worldwide, the Oceanic Sirius is designed for superior acquisition data quality combined with the highest environmental standards and the minimum operational downtime. Her operational efficiency is expected to match if not exceed the outstanding seismic performance already shown by her sister ship, the Oceanic Vega.
BroadSeis, the new CGGVeritas broadband marine solution, was selected to improve the resolution and imaging of the field. The vessel will acquire BroadSeis data with Sercel Sentinelо solid streamers equipped with the Sercel Nautilusо streamer control device. DoveTailTM, a proprietary CGGVeritas acquisition and processing solution designed to achieve more regular sampling and to reduce infill, will also be deployed on this project.
Hans Christen Ronnevik, Exploration Manager of Lundin, said "An essential part of the Lundin exploration philosophy is to continuously learn and seek new understanding through new technology. Broadband technology represents a step-change in marine seismic acquisition. Based on very encouraging results from a 2D BroadSeis R&D test over the Luno Discovery that we conducted early this year, Lundin as an operator of the PL501 license, has chosen to proceed with 3D BroadSeis acquisition over the Avaldsnes Discovery."
Jean-Georges Malcor, CGGVeritas CEO, said: "The Oceanic Sirius acquiring BroadSeis data represents the best marine seismic that the industry can offer today, and the Avaldsnes field is a significant North Sea discovery which holds tremendous promise for the oil industry in Norway. We are very pleased to provide these highest-end capabilities to Lundin for this noteworthy project."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 31.10.11 Fugro awarded Mareano Survey Contract by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service.
Fugro OSAE GmbH has been awarded a И 2.3 million hydrographic survey contract by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS). The survey is part of the MAREANO project and will encompass an area over 12,000 sq.km in the Barents Sea.
The area is located 200 km offshore in the northern-most part of Norway, near the Russian border, in water depth down to 300 metres. As the North Atlantic current keeps the waters in this area open and navigable most of the year, the survey will be carried out in early 2012. Data will be acquired by the survey vessel Victor Hensen using the new, high resolution Kongsberg EM2040 multibeam echo sounder. Processing will take place onboard the vessel and at Fugro OSAEТs processing centre in Bremen, Germany.
MAREANO is NorwayТs program to fill knowledge gaps related to seabed conditions and biodiversity along the northern Norwegian coast. The goal is to contribute to a better knowledge base for Resource Management, in particular for fishing and oil and gas exploitation. The acquisition of detailed and accurate bathymetry is an important first step in the collection of seafloor data.
Fugro OSAE has previously conducted surveys as a part of the MAREANO project area in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 as well as collecting high resolution bathymetry data for Norwegian electronic nautical charting (ENC).
Source: Fugro

ХХХ 28.10.11 Eni Boosts Mozambique Discovery 50% to 22.5 Tcf.
Eni announced that the discovery of gas made in the exploratory prospectus of Mamba South 1, Area 4 offshore Mozambique, is about 50% larger than what announced by the Company on October 20th. During deepening of the well, it encountered a new separated pool that contains a potential of up to 7.5 Tcf of gas in place in clean sands from the Eocene age. The new sequence has about 90m of gross gas pay and has also been successfully cored.
The well will be now drilled to the total depth of about 5000 meters after which Eni will move to drill the second commitment well, Mamba North 1, located about 22km north of Mamba South 1 location.
It is expected that the unprecedented potential of Tertiary Play existing in area 4 will be further defined in the forthcoming appraisal campaign.
Eni has already begun the front end activities to timely market the gas both internationally and locally.
Eni considers that this discovery can lead to a potential of up to 22.5 Tcf of gas in place in the Mamba South Area.
Eni is the operator of Offshore Area 4 with a 70-percent participating interest. Co-owners in the area are Galp Energia (10 percent), KOGAS (10 percent) and ENH (10 percent, carried through the exploration phase).
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 27.10.11 UK and Norway sign energy pact.
UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Norwegian counterpart Ola Borten Moe signed the cooperation agreement in London, according to a joint ministerial statement, to support industry in developing North Sea oil and gas resources using emissions-mitigating technologies.
Britain and Norway signed an energy pact on Tuesday aimed at expanding ties in renewable and fossil fuel energy sources, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies under threat after the UK government scrapped a flagship project last week.
"Our energy security is enhanced by close links with Scandinavia and Europe," UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said.
"As North Sea neighbors, the UK has long enjoyed close and beneficial ties with Norway based on the development of oil and gas. And as renewables and CCS develop further, it is increasingly vital that we work closely in these areas too," Hendry said.
As part of the deal, Britain and Norway plan to coordinate long-term energy policies out to 2015 in a bid to meet ambitious emissions reduction targets, both sides said.
Both sides reiterated that Norwegian gas will underpin UK power generation for years to come, saying its use into the 2020s is consistent with UK emissions targets as CCS is rolled out.
Further points included the joint development of fields along the line separating the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelf, while accelerating development of resources and working to extend the lifespan of mature North Sea fields.
It promised to put power interconnectors between the UK and Norway back on the drawing board, further integrating the energy networks of the UK and its biggest foreign gas supplier.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 25.10.11 BP boss Bob Dudley said his company has reached a turning point and is now able to offer growth again.
Today's third quarter results saw BP report replacement cost profit for the third quarter at $5.1 billion compared with $1.847 bn for the third quarter 2010. And for the first nine months of this year the figure was at US $15.9 bn, compared with a $9.5 bn loss for the same nine-month period in 2010.
Last year's figures were hit by $40 bn of costs related to the Gulf of Mexico clean up operation after the Macondo well blowout and the Deepwater Horizon accident.
Dudley signalled that BP's divestments will be extended to $45 billion, adding another $15 billion of assets which are to be sold off by the end of 2013, on top of thee existing $30 bn divestment programme. This will include two US refineries and related marketing activities in the extended programme.
On the Gulf of Mexico, Dudley said: "BP was severely tested by the Deepwater Horizon accident. It is now over a year since the well was finally sealed and we have continued to respond with a strong sense of corporate responsibility. I believe we are living up to our commitments in the Gulf; learning, applying and sharing the lessons of the accident; restructuring BP and putting safety and risk management at the absolute heart of our operations." This will further de-risk the firm, Dudley said.
During this year Dudley said his company has settled all claims related to the Deepwater Horizon accident with its co-licensees in the MC252 Gulf of Mexico lease area Anadarko and Moex, and with Weatherford. Payments totalling $5.1 bn have been made into the Gulf of Mexico Trust Fund this year and all payments into that fund are due to completed by the end of next year.
But now Dudley is much more optimistic about the future for BP, saying: "We have now reached a definite turning point. Our operations are regaining momentum and we are facing the future with great confidence. I believe we will build on our strengths to substantially grow operating cash flows, allowing us to directly increase returns to shareholders as well as invest for future growth."
This year has been the best for a decade in gaining access to new exploration acreage, the BP chief executive pointed out, after the company acquired 67 new exploration licences in 11 countries.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 25.10.11 Premier Oil report the start of gas production from the Gajah Baru field in the Natuna Sea Block A in Indonesia.
Premier has achieved first gas after receiving ministerial consent to complete commissioning at an expected rate of up to 50 bbtud. In the meantime the previously announced gas swap documentation to deliver gas to domestic buyers is being completed. Premier has been requested by the Government of Indonesia to work towards completing this documentation this year. Thereby a further 40 bbtud of gas can be delivered to Indonesian gas buyers ahead of the planned pipeline on to Batam Island as well as to the committed supplies to Singapore buyers.
Premier, with a 28.67 percent equity stake, operates Natuna Sea Block A in the West Natuna Sea on behalf of its partners KUFPEC, Hess and Petronas.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 24.10.11 Acquisition of 3D seismic data has been completed by Bahamas Petroleum as part of its ongoing exploration programme.
Preliminary results from the 3,075 square kilometres of data have indicated high quality information and Bahamas indicates that full processing results should be available early next year to allow the company to gain a better understanding of potential play-types from the Tertiary through to the Jurassic down to a depth of 6.097 metres (20,000 feet), and to help select potential drilling locations.
Data has been acquired by CGG Veritas over the four southernmost blocks in the company's portfolio after Bahamas raised GBP43.3 million to fund its technical exploration programme in the region, of which GBP23 m has been paid to CGG for the seismic acquisition programme.
Data acquisition was extended to allow inclusion of further areas which showed encouraging results, and good data quality, Bahamas said, while the work was also delayed due to a very active hurricane season it the region.
"Processing and interpretation of this data will refine and reinforce conclusions drawn from the initial 2D survey over the same area and allow the definition of individual structures which will be screened as targets for future drilling activities," said Bahamas chief executive Simon Potter.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 21.10.11 GC Rieber Shipping has signed a two year contract for its second subsea newbuild with the Mexican company Oceanografia.
The vessel, which will be named "Polar Queen", has recently been handed over from the Spanish shipyard Freire Shipyard, and the contract will start up in November. Three of the four vessels in the Company's newbuilding program are thus delivered and all of them are on hire. "With the whole fleet engaged, we are very well positioned going forward", says Irene Waage Basili, CEO of the company.
Oceanografia has more than forty years experience in offshore contracting and operates a substantial fleet of owned and chartered vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. "Polar Queen" will operate on a contract for the Mexican state oil company PEMEX.
"This is the first contract in the Gulf of Mexico for GC Rieber Shipping, and gives us presence in a new and growing market for us", says Basili.
"Polar Queen" is 110.6 meters long and has a a beam of 20 meters. She is equipped with a 150 ton offshore AHC crane, has accommodation capacity of 112 people and a deck area of 1000 square meters. The vessel is designed by Skipsteknisk and meets the latest environmental standards through the class designation "Clean Design".
With the delivery of the "Polar Queen", only one vessel remains in the company's ongoing newbuilding program, the seismic vessel yn 533. The seismic operator Dolphin Geophysical has an option to charter this vessel. "Implementation of our new building program and a diversified client portfolio puts us in a strong position to meet what we believe will become active and exciting years for the offshore industry", says Basili.
Source: GC Rieber Shipping

ХХХ 21.10.11 Lundin Petroleum kicked off an advanced seismic survey.
Lundin Petroleum kicked off an advanced seismic survey of the Avaldsnes area in the quest for even more resources at the giant Norwegian find.
The 300 square-kilometre survey, being carried out by French contractor CGGVeritas using its proprietary BroadSeis technology, is intended to map further prospectivity in the south of Lundin-operated Production Licence 501.
BroadSeis uses variable depth streamers and low to high-resolution frequencies for high-resolution imaging to identify shallow features such as sedimentary traps.
Source: Upstream

ХХХ 21.10.11 Eni announced a giant natural gas discovery Offshore Mozambique.
Eni announced a giant natural gas discovery at the Mamba South 1 prospect, in the Area 4 Offshore Mozambique. The discovery well encountered a total of 212 meters of continuous gas pay in high-quality Oligocene sands.
The Mamba South 1 discovery well is located in water depths of 1585 meters approximately 40 km off Cabo Delgado coast, in the Northern offshore of Mozambique. This is the first exploration well in Area 4. Results exceed pre-drill expectations and confirm the Rovuma Basin as a world-class natural gas province.
The well will be drilled to reach an expected total depth of around 5000 meters. After completion of drilling and testing activities, the rig will move to drill the second commitment well, Mamba North 1.
Eni considers that this impressive discovery can lead to at least 15 tcf of gas in place in the Mamba South Area where the potential of the Tertiary Play that exists in Area 4 will be further assessed under the present drilling.
The outstanding volume of natural gas discovered will lead to a large scale gas development with a combination of both export to regional and international markets through LNG and supply to the domestic market. This will support the industrial and economic growth of the Country.
The Mamba South discovery marks a new milestone for Eni since the resource potential assessed with the first exploration well makes it the largest operated discovery in the company's exploration history. The exploration success in Mozambique expands the leadership of Eni in Africa by opening a new eastern front of activities.
Eni is the operator of Offshore Area 4 with a 70-percent participating interest. Co-owners in the area are Galp Energia (10 percent), KOGAS (10 percent) and ENH (10 percent, carried through the exploration phase).
Source: Eni S.p.A.

ХХХ 20.10.11 Polarcus enters into research collaboration project to reduce CO2 emissions.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has entered into a research collaboration project with Cambridge Carbon Capture Ltd (CCC) in the United Kingdom to develop carbon mineralization technology. Such technology could potentially be used to reduce CO2 emissions from ships, including emissions from PolarcusТ fleet of 3D seismic vessels. As part of the agreement Polarcus and CCC have agreed to jointly fund a 3 year Ph.D. research program at the University of Sheffield. The program will operate under the "E-Futures Doctoral Training Centre" scheme operated at the university.
Dr. Robin Francis, CEO Cambridge Carbon Capture, commented: "We are delighted to be working with Polarcus, an acknowledged leader in reducing emissions from marine vessels. The collaboration will help us to further develop our carbon capture technologies for use in the marine and other sectors."
It is believed that the research project will make an important contribution to PolarcusТ goal of being the most environmentally responsible towed marine seismic service provider in the industry.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 20.10.11 Spectrum have released details of more than 10,000 kilometres of 2D seismic data for the new Icelandic licencing round.
The data covers the Dreki/Jan Mayen Ridge area offshore the north-eastern coast of Iceland, within the acreage on offer from the countryТs energy authorities.
The new licencing round, the second for the Icelandic continental shelf, opened on 3 October with applications due by 2 April next year.
The Jan Mayen Ridge and northern Dreki areas are believed to have potential for hydrocarbon accumulations due to their similarity to the hydrocarbon basins in Norway and East Greenland, Spectrum said in a statement on Wednesday.
The company says its datasets have identified pre-Tertiary basalt sequences (possibly Mesozoic) and a number of seismic anomalies indicating hydrocarbons may be present.
All the elements of a potential working hydrocarbon system have been identified within the area in both structural and stratigraphic play types, Spectrum said.
The seismic surveys date from 1985, 1988, 2001 and 2008 respectively, much of which was reprocessed in 2009 and some of which is currently being reprocessed.
Taken together, the seismic surveys will allow exploration players to assess the prospectivity across the region for early-stage evaluations of the hydrocarbon resource potential, Spectrum said.
The same area was the focus of the countryТs unsuccessful first licensing round in 2009, which saw interested companies withdraw their bids, citing difficulties raising funds to explore in such a frontier area.
The National Energy Authority of Iceland is hopeful for success this time around, pointing out that "there is no danger of sea ice under present climatic conditions and wave heights are lower than off NorwayТs west coast."
Source: Upstream

ХХХ 19.10.11 Statoil enters Bakken and Three Forks oil plays through cash acquisition of Brigham Exploration Company.
Statoil ASA and Brigham Exploration Company announced that they have entered into a merger agreement for Statoil.
The total equity value is approximately USD 4.4 billion, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately USD 4.7 billion.
Brigham, based in Austin, Texas, has over 100 employees in Austin and North Dakota and a strong position in the attractive Bakken and Three Forks tight oil plays in the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana.
The Bakken and Three Forks formations are among the largest oil accumulations in the United States. Various sources have estimated the technically recoverable reserves to be in the range of 5-24 billion boe, over a 38,000 square kilometers area. The attractiveness of the Bakken and Three Forks plays has resulted in Statoil offering a 36% premium over the average trading price of Brigham stock for the last 30 days.
Source: Statoil

ХХХ 18.10.11 Dolphin - new charter agreements.
Dolphin Group ASA announced that it will enter into an agreement with Sanco Shipping AS regarding a five year chartering agreement for Sanco Swift a 16 streamer seismic vessel currently under construction at Kleven Maritime, Norway, with delivery in June 2013.
As part of the agreement, Dolphin will acquire the streamer package to be installed on Sanco Swift, expected to have a total cost of approximately USD 55 million.
Dolphin also confirms that it will exercise the option to charter Polar Duchess from Rieber Shipping AS, with expected start of production in April 2012.
Dolphin sees a continued strong market for seismic services in Q4 2011 and going into 2012, and sees a strong demand from clients for its Multi-Client project in West Africa.
Source: Dolphin

ХХХ 17.10.11 TGS Commences a Third Multi-client 3D Survey in Barents Sea in 2011.
TGS has commenced acquisition of a 3D multi-client survey covering 1,500 km(2) between the Finnmark Platform and Nordkapp Basin in the Barents Sea. The 150 km long survey follows the bended strike direction of the inverted margin between the two major structural elements in the region.
"We believe the survey will be instrumental in reducing trap risk on the narrow structural trend stretching east to the border of the previously disputed zone between Norway and Russia," commented Kjell Trommestad, Senior Vice President and General Director of Europe and Russia for TGS.
The new seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Polar Duke. The data will be processed by TGS and available to clients by Q2 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 17.10.11 Local Seal Saved by WGP Marine Mammal Medic.
WGP employee Marilyn Botham was called out to rescue a seal stranded on the coastline near WGPТs main premises in Cornwall.
As part of WGPТs commitment to maintaining the local marine environment, nominated members of the team are trained as voluntary Marine Mammal Medics. When a stranded or distressed marine mammal is spotted by a member of the public a volunteer close to its location is contacted by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to attend the scene.
"We had a call in from the BDMLR to assist in the rescue of a stranded 6 week old pup seal near Northcott Mouth. He was a very feisty pup with a poorly weeping eye and a few nips from seal bulls, he was in distress and needed urgent care. After a period of calming him down we were able to handle him into a seal carry bag to move him to the car park, he was then put in a carry cage for his journey to Gweek Sanctuary.
A big thank you to some onlookers who provided us with watering cans full of water so we were able to hydrate the seal for his journey. I have since found out he has been named Buffy the Vampire Slayer! I will keep in touch with the Sanctuary for an update of his condition", - Marilyn Botham, WGP Accounts Manager.
Seal season in the UK is from October to early January so WGP have their equipment and personnel ready for any future call outs.
Source: WGP

ХХХ 14.10.11 RXT Refocuses OBC Strategy with Strengthened Management Team.
Norwegian company Reservoir Exploration Technology (RXT) announces that it is refocusing its ocean bottom cable (OBC) seismic operations to meet expected demand for its services in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and most of West Africa, and has made two senior management appointments to lead the process.
The company has announced the appointment of Kim Gunn Maver as vice president of sales and marketing, and Fredd Causevic as vice president of business development, both based in the companyТs headquarters in Oslo, Norway.
The new strategy follows RXTТs successful formation of GeoRXT, a joint venture with the major Brazilian oil and gas services company Georadar. Under the agreement, in which Georadar has a 55% holding, the joint venture will have exclusive marketing rights in the highly prospective Brazilian offshore, as well as the rest of South America, Angola, and some areas of the Middle East.
Kim Gunn Maver joins RXT from Schlumberger where his positions include vice president of reservoir seismic services. He was managing director of Odegaard, the Danish seismic reservoir characterization company until it was acquired by Schlumberger in 2006. He holds a PhD in geology and an executive MBA.
Fredd Causevic came to RXT last year as senior sales manager. Previous senior management positions include managing director, Northern Europe for Thorn EMI, and president and CEO at both Otrum and the Impact Europe Group. He holds degrees in business administration and marketing.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 13.10.11 Dolphin Geophysical renews agreement for Polar Explorer.
Seismic operator Dolphin Geophysical has extended a charter party regarding the seismic vessel Polar Explorer for 12 months, starting from January 2012.
The vessel is a 2D/ice class seismic ship that was rebuilt in 2004.
"The agreement ensures continued high employment and good balance for our fleet, substantiating the positive guidance we have given for the company's development," said the company's CEO Irene Basili.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 12.10.11 CGGVeritas provided its vessel utilization and its fleet allocation updates for the third quarter of 2011.
Vessel utilization for the third quarter 2011:
- The vessel availability rate was 91% including initial shipyard of the Champion for upgrades as part of our performance program. This compares to a 92% availability rate in the second quarter of 2011 and a 87% rate in the third quarter of 2010.
- The vessel production rate was 93%. This compares to a 85% production rate in the second quarter of 2011 and a 87% rate in the third quarter of 2010.
Fleet allocation update for the third quarter 2011:
- During the third quarter of 2011 3D vessels were allocated 88% to contract and 12% to multi-client programs.
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 11.10.11 TGS announced new 3D Multi-client Seismic Survey Offshore Northwest Australia.
TGS will commence acquisition of a new 3D multi-client seismic survey in November 2011 which covers 9,700 km2 over the Exmouth Plateau in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore NW Australia. The survey area is adjacent to existing large gas discoveries and covers newly available acreage in blocks WA-364-P, WA-365-P and WA-367-P.
"Regulatory changes in Australia make this market more attractive for multi-client investment and TGS is excited to acquire seismic data in this new market, an area where industry believes there is high exploration potential. This Australia 3D project is consistent with our strategic plan and represents a new milestone of growth for TGS in a promising region," commented Rod Starr, Senior VP Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific for TGS.
The seismic data will be acquired by the M/V Viking Vision and will be complete in Q1 2012. A fast track volume will be available to the industry in Q2 2012 with final data available for the full survey in Q1 2013. The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 10.10.11 Providence completes seismic study Offshore Ireland.
Providence Resources has completed a seismic inversion study over the Dragon gas discovery in the St George's Channel Basin, offshore south east Ireland. The Dragon structure is partly situated in Standard Exploration Licence (SEL) 1/07 which lies in c. 100 metre water depth and is located c. 40 km offshore Ireland. The Dragon structure extends across the Ireland/UK median line into UK block 103/1 where the 103/1-1 discovery well was drilled by Marathon Oil in 1994. Providence operates SEL 1/07 (100%) and has applied for UK block 103/1as part of a recent UK Government "out of round" process.
Previous work on Dragon has suggested in place resources of up to c. 100 BSCF with a c. 25:75 split between Ireland and the UK. A recently completed Dragon study, which was carried out by IKON Geoscience, involved the modeling of historical well and seismic data using the latest available technology. This study has determined that the presence of the Dragon gas bearing reservoir sands may be directly detectable from the 3D seismic data. Revised mapping using these inverted seismic data indicates that the Dragon gas accumulation may extend further into Irish waters than had been previously been mapped, with a potential resource base of up to c. 300 BSCF and a c. 75:25 resource split between Ireland and the UK. Additional reprocessing of the 3D seismic data has now commenced as part of the planning of an appraisal well to be drilled in 2012.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 07.10.11 PRIMAR signs ENC distributor agreement with NAVTOR.
Newly-established e-navigation company, NAVTOR, has signed a distribution agreement with PRIMAR for the supply of official electronic charts (ENC) for the global professional maritime market. NAVTOR is a part of the Stavanger-based company, Smedvig.
As carriage requirements for ENCs move towards an official IMO mandate, Smedvig saw the opportunity to establish an e-navigation company to provide electronic navigation services for the distribution and updating of electronic charts and related maritime information. In Egersund, a coastal town south of Stavanger well known for its maritime electronic industry, Smedvig established NAVTOR together with experienced personnel from the maritime industry, all with extensive experience in electronic chart production and distribution.
The ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) will be the central navigation console aboard ships once the IMO mandate comes into force from July 2012. ECDIS manufacturers, data and information providers will meet the growing demand from the maritime industry and NAVTOR will join forces with these players to jointly develop and supply a fully automated cost-effective, user-friendly electronic maritime navigation services.
PRIMAR is an international cooperation for the provision of a consistent and reliable Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) service. PRIMAR is a worldwide ENC service operated by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS) on a non-profit basis. Its core aim is to provide the maritime community, through authorized distributors, with an ENC service recognized for its quality, user-friendliness and overall contribution to marine safety and efficiency at a global level.
Source: Navtor

ХХХ 06.10.11 SearcherТs ever expanding 3D seismic database.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd announced the completion of the Phase 2 southern extension to the Barrow Ultracube (project partner Fugro Multi Client Services) and the completion of the Canning TQ3D PSTM reprocessing project (project partner Geotrace). These two PSTM reprocessed 3D cubes are new additions to the ever expanding 3D seismic data library on offer at Searcher and bring the total Australian 3D data library to over 30,000 km2.
The Canning TQ3D PSTM reprocessed cube has illustrated significant uplift in seismic imaging as well as the reprocessing incorporating an additional 1 second of data for deeper exploration. The PSTM cube is currently being interpreted at ISIS Petroleum and is designed for rapid evaluation of the 2011 acreage release block W11-9, available now for licensing with estimated delivery date of mid November 2011.
The Ultracube concept which involves reprocessing multiple vintage 3D surveys from field tape into a regionally consistent high quality PSTM volume has been well received by the Australian market and is a flagship product for Searcher. The benefits of improved data quality combined with additional products such as angles stacks and gathers allows the data to be used both for regional studies and for new venture opportunities.
The Barrow Ultracube now in its third phase of expansion totals some 17,000 km2 and offers regionally consistent high quality data coverage over some of AustraliaТs largest development projects such as Gorgon and Wheatstone as well as extended coverage over open acreage that is likely to be offered for bidding in future federal acreage releases. Linking these known discoveries to exploration areas is a key benefit of the Ultacube concept.
Following success from the Barrow project the Ultracube concept has recently been expanded to the Browse Basin with some 9,000 km2 currently undergoing reprocessing (Project Partner Fugro Multi Client Services).
The Ultracube projects are well supported by industry funding which has allowed Searcher to amass the largest non-exclusive 3D PSTM reprocessed database in Australia.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 06.10.11 ULSTEIN delivers seismic research vessel Oceanic Sirius.
Oceanic Sirius is designed and built in accordance with strict environmental standards and equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced seismic research operations. She is owned by a joint venture between Eidesvik and CGGVeritas.
The vessel was named in a ceremony in Ulsteinvik on 1 October. Oceanic Sirius is sister vessel to the Oceanic Vega, delivered by ULSTEIN in July 2010.
Oceanic Sirius is the second of two vessels of the SX120 type designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions. She is a powerful seismic research vessel with a dynamic towing force of 140 tons. The vessel is ideally suited for acquisition of large 3D, 4D or high-resolution projects. The vessel's 20 streamer winches are each capable of spooling 9 kilometres of streamers. Carrying an ICE-C classification, the Oceanic Sirius can operate in new frontier areas.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 05.10.11 Chevron unveils World's Largest Solar Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Project.
Chevron Technology Ventures, a division of Chevron U.S.A., launched a unique demonstration project to test the viability of using solar energy to produce oil. The project uses over 7,600 mirrors to focus the sun's energy onto a solar boiler. The steam produced is injected into oil reservoirs to increase oil production. The project is the largest of its kind in the world.
"Through this demonstration, we want to determine the feasibility of using solar power for enhanced oil recovery," said Desmond King, president of Chevron Technology Ventures. "This technology has the potential to augment gas-powered steam generation and may provide an additional resource in areas of the world where natural gas is expensive or not readily available."
One of America's oldest oil fields, the Coalinga Field began operations in the 1890s. Because the heavy crude oil produced at the field does not flow readily, it is more difficult to extract than lighter grades of crude.
Chevron enhances oil production from the Coalinga Field by injecting steam to heat the crude, thereby reducing its viscosity and making it easier to produce. This steam is currently generated by burning natural gas. The solar-to-steam project will supplement the gas-fired steam generators and help determine the commercial viability of using heat from the sun instead of natural gas to generate steam.
Throughout the course of the day, more than 7,600 mirrors track the sun and reflect its rays to a receiver positioned on a solar tower. Using heat from the concentrated sunlight, the solar tower system produces steam that is distributed throughout the oil field and then injected underground for enhanced oil recovery. The solar demonstration generates about the same amount of steam as one gas-fired steam generator.
"Our region has a long history of pioneering innovative technologies," said Bruce Johnson, vice president of Chevron's San Joaquin Valley business unit. "The work we are doing at Coalinga continues that tradition, enabling us to examine a new technology that could have significant implications for heavy-oil production."
Chevron contracted BrightSource Energy, Inc., as the technology provider and for engineering, procurement and construction. The project will be operated by Chevron Technology Ventures.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 04.10.11 SBX - Contemplated sale of the OBN business to Fugro.
SeaBird Exploration PLC has entered into an LOI with Fugro Norway AS ("Fugro") to sell its OBN business to Fugro. The main terms of theLOI are:
- Acquisition of SeaBird Technologies AS and Seabed Navigation Co Ltd which collectively holds all of SeaBird's rights and assets related to the Ocean Bottom Node ("OBN") business. The agreed acquisition price is USD 125 million on a cash and debt-free basis.
- A time charter arrangement where Fugro will charter the 2D/source vessel Munin Explorer for a firm period of 3 years. Furthermore, Fugro will time charter another vessel for a firm period of 1 year, plus 1 year plus 1 year in charterers option. The contract value of the firm part of these two contracts will be in the range of USD ~75 million.
- The parties shall agree on a management agreement for services to be provided by SeaBird, including crew and other services required to operate the OBN business during a transition period.
- Fugro has as a part of the contemplated transaction already acquired 11% of SeaBird Technologies AS and Seabed Navigation Co Ltd to improve the liquidity situation of SeaBird. This purchase price shall be deducted from the total purchase price for 100% of the two companies at closing. In the event that LOI does not lead to transaction, SeaBird is obligated to reacquire the shares at the same price and conditions. As security for a possible claim arising if SeaBird is not able to purchase the shares back, Fugro will be granted a second priority pledge on the remaining 89 % of the shares in both said companies. Fugro has been granted exclusivity until the earliest of 15 November 2011 and the signing of the transaction, which is planned for 30 October 2011.
The transaction remains subject to a confirmatory due diligence, finalising details and agreement of definitive documentation. SeaBird is, and will after the contemplated transaction still be in breach of its loan agreements and will continue the dialog with key stakeholders to find longer term solutions.
Tim Isden, SeaBird's chief executive officer, commented: "We are pleased to have agreed the terms of this LOI with Fugro and look forward to its final conclusion in 4 to 5 weeks. This is the first step in a process designed to cure the financial situation, stabilize the Company and allow us to bring value back to stakeholders. That has been and still is our intention, and is what we will concentrate on for the years to come. SeaBird has an excellent record in the 2D and smaller streamer configuration 3D market, and we will seek to capitalize on our position. We will remain very proud of the safety and performance track record we have established in this fast growing OBN market, and the client satisfaction on our surveys."
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 02.10.11 PGS - Regarding Seabird.
As a part of the ongoing restructuring process in Sea Bird ASA , PGS has decided to withdraw its two members of the Board of Directors in the company, in order to avoid any speculation related to conflict of interest in the upcoming decisions that will be put forward to the Board in SeaBird as a part of the ongoing restructuring of the company. The withdrawal will take effect immediately.
In January 2011, PGS and Seabird signed a strategic cooperation agreement to further develop ocean bottom node solutions for deep water. The intention of the agreement was to further strengthen each of the two companies leading positions in the reservoir monitoring market.
As a part of the agreement, SeaBird secured a five year convertible loan of NOK 240 million from PGS. (Ref. press release of 27 January 2011).
Source: PGS

ХХХ 30.09.11 Polarcus achieves significant transit savings via the Northern Sea Route.
Polarcus Limited announced that the CompanyТs ultra-modern 12-streamer 3D seismic vessel POLARCUS ALIMA has achieved a significant first in the seismic industry, having successfully transited to Asia-Pacific via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Her passage commenced on 15 September from Hammerfest in Norway after completion of seismic operations in the Barents Sea, taking her on a 3,000 nautical mile route along the northern coast of Russia to Cape Dezhnev in the Bering Straits.
The voyage was completed in just nine days. After passing the Bering Straits on 24 September POLARCUS ALIMA is presently continuing her onward passage to New Zealand to commence operations expected to run for up to 7 months in total. The voyage was made possible in part due to the vesselТs Arctic-ready capabilities, a unique feature of the Polarcus fleet in the seismic industry. Under the Russian FederationТs 1990 Regulations for Navigation on the Seaways of the Northern Sea Route, vessels making the passage are required to hold an ICE-1A or higher ice class.
The expected time savings in transit between Norway and New Zealand compared to the traditional route through the Panama Canal amounts to some eight days. The savings versus the Suez Canal, a necessity for some larger seismic vessels, amounts to thirteen days. The passage via the NSR therefore presents significant time-related benefits for Polarcus and its clients.
This is the first known passage of a 3D seismic vessel along the Northern Sea Route. Preparations for the voyage were carried out in close cooperation with Tschudi Arctic Transit AS through its Russian - Norwegian JV company Arctic Bulk AG, Atomflot, and the Northern Sea Route Administration in Moscow.
Commenting on the successful transit Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus, said: "The successful navigation of Polarcus Alima along the Northern Sea Route has been achieved through the dedication and hard work of our in-house operations personnel, the Northern Sea Route Administration, and our crew onboard the seismic vessel. The result of this outstanding teamwork has been to achieve significant savings in fuel, emissions, and most significantly time during a milestone transit that effectively provides Polarcus a viable new sea bridge between two important operational markets."
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 30.09.11 TGS received Gulf of Mexico Seismic Permit.
TGS announced receipt of a seismic permit from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulations and Enforcement (BOEMRE) to acquire 3D Wide Azimuth (WAZ) data in the Gulf of Mexico. This project is expected to be part of the 2012 investment plan.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 29.09.11 ICS expresses appreciation for the efforts of IMO Member States and military navies to protect merchant ships and their crews from Somali pirates, but is deeply concerned that little real progress is being made towards developing any radical new strategy that will deliver immediate results.
To mark the occasion of IMO World Maritime Day and this yearТs chosen theme, the piracy crisis in the Indian Ocean, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents 80% of the world merchant fleet, has produced a special brochure.
The brochure is intended to reiterate the urgent need for governments to do more to protect merchant shipping from being attacked by Somali pirates, with over 3,000 seafarers having so far been held hostage for ransom, and up to 60 having lost their lives.
The ICS brochure explains that the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for safety of life at sea, has had a pivotal role in orchestrating the response of the international community to the scourge of piracy, which is the theme of IMO World Maritime Day 2011. In co-operation with the shipping industry, IMO has been instrumental in bringing the seriousness of the crisis to the attention of the UN Security Council. However, the piracy crisis in the Indian Ocean has continued to spiral out of control.
ICS expresses appreciation for the efforts of IMO Member States and military navies to protect merchant ships and their crews from Somali pirates, but is deeply concerned that little real progress is being made towards developing any radical new strategy that will deliver immediate results.
It also recognises that the long-term solution will have to be found within Somalia itself, supported by practical measures such as the establishment of a local coast guard. But the industry seems to be faced with the utter frustration of an increasing number of attacks for the foreseeable future.
The international community depends on ships to transport trade and keep the world economy moving, and the eradication of piracy is the responsibility of governments, as stipulated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, in the face of governmentsТ seeming impotence, says ICS, the shipping industry will be forced to look at all possible options, including alternative routes, which could have a very dramatic effect on transport costs and delivery times.
Piracy is already estimated to cost the global economy US$12 billion a year. If increasing numbers of ships decide to divert around the Cape of Good Hope, this will almost certainly have a major impact on inventories and costs throughout the whole supply chain. It could also greatly damage the economies of Africa and the Middle East at this politically delicate time.
However, ICS says that the principal concern of the shipping industry is humanitarian. It is simply unacceptable that seafarers have been killed, while thousands more have been held captive for months at a time.
The brochure is being distributed via ICS member national shipownersТ associations, but can be downloaded at www.ics-shipping.org.
Source: ICS

ХХХ 28.09.11 CGGVeritas completed 3D survey for Chevron Norge.
CGGVeritas has completed acquisition of a 3D survey with BroadSeisTM, its unique broadband marine solution, for Chevron Norge AS.
The minimum commitment for the program comprised acquisition of a 3D survey over a 2,190 km2 area west of Bodo in the Norwegian Sea. Due to good progress the program was extended to 2,805 km2. In addition, part of the survey was acquired in wide-azimuth (WAZ) mode, making it the first commercial BroadSeis WAZ project. The survey was acquired ahead of schedule by the recently upgraded CGGVeritas vessel Oceanic Endeavour.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said, "We are very pleased that Chevron has selected our BroadSeis broadband marine solution for their exploration in the deep waters of the Norwegian Sea. This contract offered an excellent opportunity for CGGVeritas to demonstrate the value of the technology relative to sub-volcanic imaging in the sub-basalt areas which predominates in the western part of the Norwegian Sea."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 27.09.11 TGS announced second expansion of 3D Multi-client Seismic Data Library in Sierra Leone.
TGS has commenced the acquisition of a new multi-client 3D seismic survey offshore Sierra Leone. This survey marks over ten years of investment for TGS in the West African region and will add 1,038 km2 to the existing TGS data library. Upon completion, TGS will have over 6,200 km2 of contiguous multi-client 3D data offshore Sierra Leone. The new 3D seismic will provide important data for continued exploration on the Sierra Leone segment of the West Africa Transform Margin, where recent discoveries have established that a working hydrocarbon system exists.
The seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Geo Carribean and is scheduled to complete during Q4 2011. Data processing will be performed by TGS and data will be available to clients in Q1 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 27.09.11 Vestdavit to supply extra-long outreach seismic multipurpose davits.
Norway-based boat handling system and specialised davit supplier Vestdavit has been contracted by Mitsubishi Heavy Industry on behalf of Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) to design and supply extra-long outreach workboat/lifeboat/FRC davits for PGSТs 5th generation Ramform new building seismic vessels.
The two davits for each of the two vessels building at Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Japan for 2013 delivery will have an extra-long outswing to be capable of launching and recovering 20 man tender boats safely in seas states 5Ц6.
Vestdavit has designed a special Vestdavit HЦ10000S dual point hydraulic davit with a dual winch system for the application.
Atle Kalve, development manager, Vestdavit, says, "These davits will make deployment and retrieval safer for PGSТ crews. The tender boats will normally be used in relatively calm sea states, but are constructed to handle safely even in sea state 6, and these davits will recover them safely in those seas."
The boats and davits also have the function as lifeboats and Fast Rescue Craft in an emergency.
A key benefit of these davits is the simplicity of use, which reduces crew training needs. They are also extremely robust and will work a long time on station without servicing.
The characteristic Ramform design seismic survey vessel has only a short flat parallel ship side for the boat to lie against. To overcome this Vestdavit will supply a painter boom travelling 12 metres, the longest ever supplied by Vestdavit. Both boom and davits are computer controlled with inbuilt auto tension and shock absorption to allow the boat to launch and recover safely in high seas.
Kalve says, "These boats will be used daily at sea for personnel and crew changes and supply between the support vessel and the seismic vessel which will continue working. The seismic work boats which would normally be used for this sort of application do not have the capacity for 20 men. The combination boat on the Vestdavit davits can work as a Fast Rescue Craft with six crew, as a tender with 20 persons on board and as a lifeboat with a 40 person capacity.
Our dual point system is designed to fulfil all the different functions needed for this multi operation davit. The davit design delivers launch and recovery that will be both safe and quick in high sea states, which means less risk for the crew and more operational uptime for both the seismic vessel and the support craft."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 26.09.11 TGS announced expansion of 2D Multi-client Seismic Data in Eastern Indonesia.
TGS has commenced a 2D multi-client seismic survey in offshore Eastern Indonesia immediately north of the Sunrise-Troubadour gas fields and to the west of the Abadi gas field. The 1,500 km survey, MHI11, will infill a seismic survey previously acquired in 2007 and an extensive multibeam data set in the area.
The previously acquired seismic data in the area has revealed a series of undrilled fault blocks and horsts from the Permian up to the Base Tertiary levels. This project will provide a final detailed grid of data and assist with evaluating the Sahul Platform and Timor Trough area where data indicates an active petroleum system.
TGS maintains the industry's largest multi-client data library in Indonesia. Upon completion of the MHI11 survey, the library will include 120,000 km of 2D seismic, 3,500 km2 of 3D seismic, 400,000 km of multibeam bathymetric data and 1,200 core samples covering over one million km2 of Indonesia's deep water basins.
The seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Aquila Explorer. Data processing will be performed by TGS and available to clients in Q4 2011.
The survey is supported by industry funding and also supports the Indonesian Governments overall objective to attract exploration.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 26.09.11 WGP in Arctic Exploration.
Independent British geophysical contractor, WGP Exploration Limited, is currently assisting IONТs GeoVentures group with their on-going Arctic exploration programme. WGP provided the source array, recording office and source workshop components of the Thalassa owned Portable Modular Source System PMSSЩ in addition to the technical crewing required for the 2011 seismic programme.
The vessel utilised for the operation was selected due to its ice-class and research capability. As a non-seismic vessel it was recognised at an early stage that a custom umbilical winch design would be required, a solution was quickly designed by WGP Engineering and subsequently installed under the supervision of the field crew. The PMSSТs BOLT Technology Annular Port Gun (APG) is ideally suited to the deployment methodology whereby conventional tow plates, spreader bars and external air and electrical lines are negated. The PMSSТs self-sufficient recording office and gun workshop were quick and easy to install providing instantaneous instrument and workshop facilities.
"The PMSSЩ systems are initially designed and constructed to target the Permanent Reservoir Monitoring market, this sector has been slow to develop however once again with WGPТs innovative approach and the equipment flexibility we are delighted to provide a custom source solution to ION".
Source: WGP

ХХХ 26.09.11 December has been signalled as the new date for a Final Investment Decision for the Shtokman development.
An official statement from Shtokman Development AG (SDAG) has confirmed the aim on its website and a Russian project executive has been cited as saying that December is the FID date during a conference in St Petersburg.
Timur Sabirzanov, head of the structural analysis and regulatory documents development department of Shtokman Development AG, was speaking at an offshore conference in St Petersburg where he was reported to have confirmed the Shtokman phase 1 FID in December.
Referring to Sabirzanov's appearance at the conference, a short, two line statement from Shtokman Development AG said: "He noted that the project cost assessment will be presented to the shareholders in October 2011. In December shareholders plan to adopt the Final Investment Decision. Gas production at the Shtokman project is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2016, the launch of the LNG plant - in the end of 2017."
Also recently SDAG has signed a co-operation agreement with Russian shipping group Sovcomflot which specialises in the transport of oil, oil products and LNG. the agreement SDAG and Sovcomflot have agreed to exchange information on fleet support services, and on environmentally safe marine transport patterns, transport of LNG and on operating of onshore logistics bases.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 26.09.11 Fugro to Commence AUV Survey at Browse LNG Development.
Fugro is shortly due to commence a deepwater AUV survey as part of the Woodside-operated Browse LNG Development.
Woodside has commissioned Fugro to undertake a detailed seabed mapping program, extending offshore from the proposed Central Processing Facility, that will provide high quality data to assist with the engineering process for the proposed subsea pipelines and other infrastructure as part of this major project.
Following the success of a similar such project off NW Australia in 2010 Fugro will utilize its Australian based survey vessel, the 75m Southern Supporter, and its regionally based Hugin 1000 AUV. The Hugin AUV is a proven deepwater survey platform enabling multibeam echo sounder, side scan sonar and sub bottom profiling data to be gathered in water depths to 3000m. Powered by lithium polymer batteries and with a survey endurance of up to 24 hours the vehicle is ideally suited to the requirements of this project.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 23.09.11 Hyperdynamics awards $29.0 million 3D seismic contract to CGGVeritas.
Hyperdynamics Corporation has signed a 3D acquisition and processing contract with CGGVeritas to cover an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometers in its exploration block offshore Guinea. The value of the contract is approximately US $29.0 million gross.
The survey is expected to begin in late October 2011, using the survey vessel Oceanic Endeavour. The area of the 3D acquisition is just southwest and adjacent to one of the 3D surveys obtained by HDY in 2010. The major goal of the work is to investigate multiple possible deepwater submarine fans seen on a 2D survey acquired for Hyperdynamics in 2009. The new survey will use the CGGVeritas BroadSeis broadband solution, which will provide a clearer and more detailed image of the subsurface. After acquisition, the data will be processed by CGGVeritas, with completion of that work expected in the second half of 2012.
Ray Leonard, Hyperdynamics CEO, commented: "We're pleased to have signed this acquisition and processing contract with an industry leader such as CGGVeritas. We consider this next seismic campaign as a critical next phase of our exploration program, which will concentrate on the major new play in the equatorial Atlantic margin. Once the seismic data is interpreted, we expect to be able to identify targets for possible drilling in this trend."
Hyperdynamics operates the offshore Guinea concession with a 77 percent interest. Aberdeen-based Dana Petroleum has a 23 percent stake.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 22.09.11 Enhanced functionality for eBird.
The eBird system for lateral, vertical and roll streamer control in marine seismic acquisition has received an advanced functionality upgrade that enables the simple replacement of wings for different operational applications.
Kongsberg Seatex has enhanced the eBird concept with the release of AcuWing for eBird - a solution for streamer position and shape determination.
AcuWing represents a novel approach to streamer positioning by adopting the latest technology within hydroacoustics to interchangeable eBird wings.
eBirdТs connector-less solution enables AcuWing to quickly and easily replace any wing on a standard eBird and utilize the same power and communication lines.
Gard Ueland, President, Kongsberg Seatex, said the new technology for eBird further strengthens KONGSBERGТs presence in the seismic industry.
"We are pleased to present Kongsberg's acoustic positioning technology in eBird. We believe our customers will appreciate the flexibility and ease of use AcuWing brings to planning, operating and maintaining streamer spreads," he said.
"It also shows our commitment to developing new and valued solutions in close cooperation with our customers."
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 22.09.11 CGGVeritas delivers advanced imaging of The Three Corners Extension 3D Wide-Azimuth Survey.
CGGVeritas has completed the processing of its Three Corners Extension Wide-Azimuth (WAZ) survey. The deliverables for the multi-client survey, located in the Western Gulf of Mexico, include Prestack Depth Migrated (PSDM) VTI RTM, Controlled Beam and Kirchhoff volumes.
The survey extends the original Three Corners WAZ program to over 600 blocks of coverage in the East Breaks and Alaminos Canyon planning areas. These new highest-quality images are now available well in advance of BOEMRE OCS Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 218 - the first lease sale in over a year.
Luc Schlumberger, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client & New Ventures, CGGVeritas, said: "The images of this advanced wide-azimuth survey provide a step-change in the clarity and detail of the historically difficult-to-image geology of the Alaminos Canyon Area. We are very encouraged by the first feedback from our clients which is very positive and they are pleased to be able to access this data well in advance of the upcoming lease sale."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 21.09.11 BGP launches 3D seismic vessel BGP Prospector.
BGP has announced the launch of a 3D, 12 streamer seismic vessel BGP Prospector at Sekwang Heavy Industry in Korea.
"This vessel is built specifically for the high-end 3D marine seismic market with towing capacity of 12 streamers each at 8,000m long with 100m streamer separation", said BGP. "As BGPТs flagship seismic vessel, it is equipped with the latest sophisticated technologies to provide advanced 3D marine seismic services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. It will be in service very soon".
The vessel is a NVC 830 CD design with an overall length of 100m and breadth of 24m.
"As one of the new NVC series with typical endurance of 80 days plus a cruising speed of 15 knots, the vessel complies with the most stringent industry standards," said the company. "Furthermore, it is also one of the most environmentally friendly seismic vessels in the industry."
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 20.09.11 Sovcomflot expands fleet with advanced seismic vessel.
A new seismic exploration vessel for Sovcomflot (SCF) Vyacheslav Tikhonov was formally named by the company.
The vessel is designed for geophysical exploration on the continental shelf of the Arctic and sub-Arctic seas, operating in harsh weather and ice conditions.
Immediately after the ceremony Vyacheslav Tikhonov started working under contract conducting seismic exploration work for the Tuapse Trough Project on behalf of OAO NK Rosneft and ExxonMobil. The ship will be operated jointly by SCF and OAO Sevmorneftegeofizika - one of the leading Russian seismic companies.
The two companies participated together in the tender by OAO Rosneft, for the implementation of marine seismic surveys on the continental shelf in the Black Sea, during 2011-2012.
Previously, SCF Group had acquired the ship under a five year bareboat charter agreement with Polarcus, one of the worldТs leading companies specializing marine seismic exploration.
The high-tech X-bow 3D seismic exploration vessel was completed in August 2011, formerly POLARCUS SELMA, is the same class of vessel as POLARCUS SAMUR, an ultra-modern and Arctic-ready 3D seismic vessel of the ULSTEIN SX133 X-BOW design capable of towing both conventional and wide tow spreads. The vessel has an overall length of 84.2m and a beam of 17m.
Vyacheslav Tikhonov has a maximum speed of 17 knots and will be capable of deploying up to 8 streamers each of 6,000m length, or 6 streamers each of 8,000m length, with lateral streamer separations of between 25 and 200 meters.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 19.09.11 TGS has commenced a new 15,000 km multi-client 2D seismic survey offshore Namibia.
TGS considers this region to have significant exploration potential and is pleased to acquire new data that both complements and extends TGS' existing seismic coverage in the area. The survey grid covers open acreage and images the main prospective plays due for drilling in 2011/2012.
Offshore Namibia is significantly underexplored and has the potential to hold large oil and gas discoveries. The positive mix of play types in the TGS survey area include basin floor turbidites, slope fans and channels, significant syn-rift structures and plays similar to those offshore Angola. Recent studies have also shown additional strong hydrocarbon indicators in significant structures.
The seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Northern Explorer. Data processing will be performed by TGS and data will be available to clients Q1 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 16.09.11 Seismic 3D contract extension for the Polar Duke.
Dolphin Geophysical and TGS have entered into an agreement for the M/V Polar Duke to acquire 1,500 sq. km of 3D seismic data in the Barents Sea. The award follows Dolphin Geophysical successful Barents Sea operation to date for TGS. The extension will meet the increased demand for seismic data in the region.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 16.09.11 NPD completes seismic acquisition in Barents Sea.
The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's (NPD's) seismic acquisition in the Norwegian part of the Barents Sea was completed around midnight on September 14.
The acquisition has been ongoing since July 8, after the new agreement regarding the demarcation line between Norway and Russia in the Barents Sea was finally approved.
"This is the first time Norwegian petroleum authorities have carried out systematic data acquisition in this sea area," said Sissel Eriksen, the NPD's director responsible for exploration activity.
Some seismic data was acquired in the 1970s, but in accordance with the agreement with the Russians, there has been no petroleum activity here until this summer.
The seismic company PGS carried out a 2D acquisition on assignment from the NPD with the R/V Harrier Explorer vessel. 2D seismic entails that the vessel tows an 8100-meter long streamer. The seismic lines are collected in a 5 x 15 kilometer systematic grid. The NPD has used PGS' GeoStreamer technology for this assignment. This is new technology which is e.g. characterized by the streamer being towed somewhat deeper in the water than is the case with conventional acquisition. It can thus withstand greater wave heights and the acquisition becomes must less dependent on good weather, and subsequently more efficient.
The acquisition this summer has been very efficient. There has been minimal downtime due to inclement weather. In total, 11,400 line kilometers of seismic have been collected.
"This means that the seismic acquisition has gone according to our plans," said a satisfied Sissel Eriksen.
She points out that a very large sea area has now been mapped. The plan is to continue the acquisition next summer.
"We expect the area to be sufficiently mapped by then to formulate viewpoints on the potential resources in this new Norwegian area."
Source: NPD

ХХХ 16.09.11 Cooper completes 3D acquisition program in the Hammamet offshore permit.
Cooper reported that the 300km2 3D acquisition program in the Hammamet Offshore Permit (COE 35%) has been completed on time, within budget and without incident.
Cooper also announced that the 600km2 3D acquisition program in the Nabeul Permit (COE 85% and Operator) has commenced, with the contracted vessels mobilizing from the Tunisian port of Sousse.
The 3D seismic acquisition program in the Hammamet Offshore Permit was located over the Tazerka oilfield and Kasserine Prospect areas.
he Nabeul Permit 3D seismic program is to be acquired over the western portion of the permit, adjacent to the Birsa and Oudna (producing) oilfields. The aim of the 3D program is to mature the Alpha, Gamma and Delta leads into drillable prospects. The program is expected to be completed in approximately 50 days.
The Nabeul Permit 3D is being acquired using the CGGVeritas BroadSeis technology, a new innovative solution for high-resolution marine seismic.
It is anticipated that the processed 3D seismic data will be available for interpretation in 2Q 2012.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 15.09.11 Veripos wins Norwegian positioning contract.
Veripos has been awarded a contract by Dolphin Geophysical AS of Bergen for the supply of services aboard its recently-commissioned 3D seismic vessel M/V Polar Duke.
The purpose-built flagship vessel, which is currently working on behalf of a major global geoscientific data products and service organisation, is being supplied with VeriposТs Ultra and Apex Precise Point Positioning (PPP) services, each independently ensuring decimetre-level accuracies.
Proprietary support facilities comprise triple LD2-G2 integrated mobile receivers together with Verify QC expandable processing software for real-time monitoring and control.
Veripos will also supply similar services to two re-named seismic vessels operated by Dolphin Geophysical Artemis Arctic and Artemis Atlantic.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 14.09.11 Explorer Cairn Energy is about to start the final two wells in its Greenland drilling campaign without any discovery so far.
Updating its Greenland exploration drilling Cairn Energy said the Delta 1 exploration well is drilling ahead aiming for a Cretaceous sediments below a structure where oil shows were encountered last year.
Delta 1 is being drilled by the Leiv Eiriksson semi-submersible operating in a water depth of 293 (961 feet) metres at a distance of 365 kilometres (228 miles) from shore, in the Napariaq block in the West Disko area offshore Greenland.
This well is aiming for the Cretaceous horizon below a large structural closure underlying a Tertiary volcanic interval from which oil shows were detected during drilling of the Alpha 1 well last year.
"The well has so far encountered several hundred metres of Tertiary volcanic section, which is thicker than anticipated and with only minor hydrocarbon indications," Cairn stated. "A further update will be made later this month, once the well reaches TD".
After Delta 1 the Leiv Eiriksson rig is due to relocate to the south to spud the AT7-1 well in the Atammik block, in 909m (2,981 ft) of water and 198 km (124 miles) offshore Nuuk, and drill to a planned Total Depth.
Meanwhile the Ocean Rig Corcovado drillship is currently working to plug and abandon the Gamma 1 exploration well drilled in a water depth of 1,520 metres, (4,985 ft) and 294 kilometres (183 miles) offshore from Aasiaat, in the Eqqua block in the West Disko region. Gamma 1 was targeting a deepwater Tertiary basin floor fan structure located 100 kilometres (62.5 miles) downdip from the T8-1 where gas had been encountered during a previous well last year, and although the well intersected the target structure at the anticipated depth, no reservoir or hydrocarbon shows were encountered, Cairn has indicated.
After completing work at Gamma 1, the Corcovado is to move nearly 600 kilometres (375 miles) south to the Atammik block to drill Cairn's AT2 prospect well, in the South Ungava Area, the fifth well in Cairn's 2011 Greenland exploration programme.
Full results from Gamma 1 and Delta 1 will be reviewed once all data has been obtained from this year's Greenland campaign said Cairn Energy chief executive Simon Tompson. "The rigs are scheduled to move south to drill the final two wells of the programme on the Atammik block. We remain focussed on the potential of our multi-basin position in Greenland," he added.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 12.09.11 PGS and TGS Commence New Joint Seismic Venture in the Labrador Sea.
Petroleum Geo-Services in cooperation with TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company have commenced a new 22,000 km multi-client 2D seismic survey offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.
Under the cooperation agreement PGS is acquiring the initial phase of this large regional survey during the 2011 season utilizing the Canadian flagged vessel Sanco Spirit equipped with the latest GeoStreamerо dual sensor, broadband technology. The survey lies to the north of existing major oil discoveries including Hibernia, Hebron, Terra Nova and White Rose and covers areas currently nominated in the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board's call for bids (NL-11-03). Data acquisition will continue through Q3 2011 and the vessel will return in 2012 to complete the survey.
"PGS is excited to be bringing this important survey and GeoStreamerо technology to East Canada, in partnership with TGS. We will provide comprehensive modern seismic coverage over this as yet underexplored frontier basin" said Jerry Witney, VP North America MultiClient. "GeoStreamerо offers clear and proven operational advantages in the harsh waters of Canada's Atlantic seaboard, where minimizing weather downtime is vital. In addition its broadband dual sensor technology will provide explorationists with the highest quality 2D data."
The survey is supported by industry funding with initial data being available to clients during Q4 2011.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 09.09.11 Piracy quick reference guide teleased by ABS.
In support of the maritime communityТs efforts to protect seafarers against acts of piracy, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) has prepared a quick reference guide (QRG) to assist shipsТcrews in implementing the industryТs "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Seafarers from Somali Based Piracy," commonly referred to as BMPs.
Designed specifically for onboard use, the QRG summarizes the recently published version 4 of the BMPs in a user-friendly format that can assist the Master and the Ship Security Officer in preparing the vessel for transit through a high-risk area. It also identifies actions to take should the vessel and its crew be attacked.
"This Guide is another tool ship operators can use against the menace of piracy and hijacking" says Hemant Juneja, ABS Director of Management Systems Certification. "It is not intended to replace the BMPs but rather act as a supplement designed especially to give the crew a quick reference guide for protection against these threats. It can also be used as a training tool in shipboard drills and exercises."
The laminated, pocket-size Guide available in ABSТ global offices beginning in early September.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 08.09.11 Russia can double Oil Reserves By Tapping Arctic Potential - Lukoil Exec.
Russia can double its oil reserves if the government is determined to exploit the potential in the Arctic, a senior Lukoil Holdings executive said Wednesday.
"The development of Arctic fields needs political will and support from the government," Sergey Chaplygin, chief executive of Lukoil International Trading and Supply Co. said, but didn't elaborate. Lukoil is the country's biggest private oil producer.
Russia, the world's top oil and gas producer, has proven oil reserves of around 60 billion barrels, Energy Information Administration data showed.
Lukoil plans to explore oil production in the Russian Arctic with state oil company Rosneft under a new long-term cooperation agreement that takes effect this month.
Rosneft will also explore in the Arctic area with U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil, in a separate deal.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 06.09.11 TGS announced new Multi-client 2D Survey in Northeast Greenland.
TGS has commenced a new 1,000 km multi-client 2D survey in Northeast Greenland in partnership with Fugro.
This survey will enable customers to prepare for the announced Greenland Licensing Round in 2012/2013 and will significantly add to a data set that TGS has been growing since 2008 in this promising region. After this yearТs data acquisition, TGS will be able to offer approximately 4,500 km of new multi-client 2D data, a large volume of reprocessed multi-client 2D data and full coverage of aeromagnetic/gravity data over the basins that are to be included in the planned licensing round.
The new seismic data is being acquired by the M/V Akademik Shatskiy supported by the ice breaker M/V Fennicia and is scheduled to complete during Q4 2011. Data processing will be performed by TGS and data will be available to clients during Q1 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 06.09.11 Dolphin Geophysical announced newbuild name and progress.
Dolphin Geophysical AS announced the name of vessel NB533 as M/V Polar Duchess.
The vessel option expires on 1st November and it is highly likely we will exercise the option. Good progress in the Factorias Volcano yard, Spain, safeguards a Q4 delivery ready for the North Sea season at the end Q1 2012. She will be the sistership to our flagship vessel the M/V Polar Duke.
M/V Polar Duke is a purpose built high-end 3D vessel, capable of towing 14 streamers at 100 metre separation. Rigged with Sercel SSAS Sentinel streamers and an impressive bollard pull of approximately 210 Tonnes, M/V Polar Duke and M/V Polar Duchess will undoubtedly be some of the most efficient vessels available to the market.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 05.09.11 MEO Australia purchases Zeus 3D Marine seismic survey offshore Western Australia.
MEO Australia Limited executes a contract with Fugro Multi Client Services Pty Ltd for the acquisition and processing of a 323 km2 3D multi-client seismic survey (Zeus 3D survey) in WA-361-P, in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia. WA-361-P is located in close proximity to the existing North West Shelf Gas Project (16.3 Mtpa), the Pluto LNG project (4.3 Mtpa) under construction and the proposed Wheatstone LNG project (8.6 Mtpa).
The 3D survey is designed to enable improved mapping of Heracles and other leads which are potential candidates for drilling in 2014. The survey covers an area of poor seismic data quality and also fills some large gaps in the 3D seismic coverage for this area. In addition, the 3D survey is being acquired in an East-West direction which enables enhanced imaging via multi-azimuth reprocessing.
The 3D survey over WA-361-P is part of a 1,318 km2 multi-client survey to be acquired utilising the M/V Seisquest commencing on or about 1st September. The survey will take approximately 7 weeks depending on weather and possible extensions to the planned program. The final processed volume is expected to be delivered during Q2-2012.
The 3D survey brings forward and fulfils the minimum Permit Year 2 (Jan 2012 - Jan 2013) work program commitment of 150 km2 new 3D seismic.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 02.09.11 SeaBird awarded USD 40 million Ocean Bottom Node survey by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd of India (ONGC) for Mumbai High Field.
SeaBird Exploration PLC announced through its wholly owned subsidiary SeaBird Exploration FZ LLC the receipt of a Notification of Award (NOA) from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd of India (ONGC) for a 4C-3D Seismic API Pilot Project in Mumbai High Field. This is an official notification that SBX has been awarded Tender No Y16KC10017 and consequently the Hugin Explorer and Munin Explorer will mobilize from the Norwegian North Sea immediately following the conclusion of the current ExxonMobil contract expected to be around 10th September 2011.
This is a most prestigious contract award for SBX - as well as being the eighth contract award since operations started - and a highly important survey for ONGC as the data to be acquired is necessary for the planned optimal placement of two development wells from the upcoming platforms within the survey area by June 2012. ONGC has requested start up as soon as possible and SBX estimation for commencement on survey site is around mid October 2011.
The total number of node stations deployed will be in excess of 2,300 at 200 meter spacing, and data acquisition will be carried out in two swaths by rolling phases of approximately 760 nodes each. The technical expertise and track record of SBX in previous surveys has been an important element of the choice of contractor by ONGC, and furthermore this contract is another important step forward in the developing OBN market sector as it covers processing and interpretation for both pressure and converted (shear) wave data.
Value of the contract is USD 40 million and duration is estimated to be about 110 days including mobilization from North Sea.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 01.09.11 New TGS Multi-client 3D Survey in the Faroe-Shetland Basin.
TGS has commenced a new multi-client 3D survey in the Faroe-Shetland Basin. The survey covers 2,500 km2 west of the British Isles over quads 6004, 204 and 205 and is acquired in partnership with PGS.
The new seismic data is being acquired by the PGS Ramform Viking towing 12 X 6,000 m with 75 m separation and utilizes PGSТ GeoStreamerо Technology. Data acquisition will continue through Q3 2011 and the vessel will return in 2012 to complete the survey.
Data processing will be performed by both TGS and PGS. "This is TGSТ first investment in a 3D multi-client seismic program west of the British Isles, located in an area with a number of discoveries and further undiscovered hydrocarbon potential," - stated Kjell Trommestad, SVP Europe & Russia for TGS.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 01.09.11 Searcher Seismic announces the completion of the Havspurv High Resolution 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd in conjunction with its project partner MAGE is pleased to announce the completion of the 2011 phase (5,853km) of the Havspurv 2D High Resolution Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey in the Norwegian Barents Sea. The total project is scheduled to comprise ~12,000 km of data to be acquired over two seasons.
It is the first ever regional 2D survey in the Barents Sea that is specifically designed to image the upper sedimentary units and fault patterns.
With both the acquisition and processing parameters fully optimized for high resolution shallow imaging, the dataset produced is set to further enhance the understanding of the emerging potential in the Barents Sea. The Havspurv survey will be seamlessly integrated with SearcherТs already completed Bjornoya Basin North High Resolution 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey, utilising similar high resolution acquisition parameters.
The Havspurv survey is sponsored by North Energy ASA. The 2011 phase of data acquisition and processing is scheduled to be completed during Q4 2011.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 26.08.11 Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has been awarded a contract worth US$90 million by Petrobras to perform a range of electromagnetic (EM) surveys in frontier and mature basins offshore Brazil.
Data acquisition will be performed using the vessel BOA Galatea and is expected to take approximately one year. Petrobras has requested start-up as soon as practically possible.
"This contract, which is the second largest ever for marine EM services, represents a major milestone for us and underpins the growing demand we are witnessing for our unique technology. We are delighted that yet another national oil company has chosen to use EM data as an integral part of its exploration strategy," said Roar Bekker, EMGS Chief Executive Officer.
"This long-term contract demonstrates our leadership position in the EM market segment and provides us with a solid foundation for future expansions of our capabilities."
EMGS has recently strengthened its Rio de Janeiro office, which is headed by Country Manager Ricardo Perrone, with further EM expertise and processing capabilities to address the Petrobras contract and the growing market opportunities in South America.
Bjorn Petter Lindhom, VP Business Development Latin America, also recently re-located from Houston to the new office, and he will be working closely with EMGS's multi-client team to capitalize on the substantial market potential in Brazil.
Commenting on the significance of this award, Carl Hutchins, EMGS President multi-client group, said: "Brazil is a strategically important market for us, and this contract provides us with a strong foothold in one of the world's most prolific oil regions."
The net value of the contract after taxes is estimated at US$77 million.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 18.08.11 WesternGeco Commences 3D Survey in Barents Sea.
Bjornoya Ice Bear Survey Builds on Successful Multiclient Program in Barents Sea.
WesternGeco announced today that it has begun acquisition of the Bjornoya Phase I "Ice Bear" 3D multiclient survey in the highly prospective West Loppa area of the Barents Sea.
Following previous surveys in the area, the Ice Bear survey will extend the existing WesternGeco West Loppa datasets to the North and West.
"The study area is located on the rim of the Bjornoya Basin, on the west flank of the Loppa High and includes a large downthrown terrace in the North together with other Jurassic faulted structures, all of which have potential," said Phil Davey, WesternGeco Europe & Africa GeoSolutions manager, "Other, separate, but still promising features are seen in the southwestern part of the survey area."
Building on previous 2D datasets, the Ice Bear survey will consist of approximately 2500 sq km of 3D seismic data, acquired using 10 X 7 km streamers. Advanced acquisition techniques coupled with demultiple processing using the WesternGeco 3D GSMP General Surface Multiple Prediction technology will provide high-quality 3D data.
Source: WesternGeco

ХХХ 26.07.11 TGS announced second expansion of 3D Multi-client Seismic Data Library in the Barents Sea.
TGS has commenced the acquisition of an extension of its multi-client 3D seismic data in the Hoop Fault Complex area of the Barents Sea. This extension is to the west of the previously announced industry funded Hoop Fault Complex survey and will add 3,391 km2 to the existing data in the area. Upon completion of the expanded project, TGS will have over 7,300 km2 of contiguous multi-client 3D data over the Hoop Fault Complex. In conjunction with this multi-client survey, TGS will also acquire approximately 1,100 km2 of seismic data on a proprietary basis for a TGS customer.
Acquisition of the data will be performed by the M/V Polar Duke towing 10 x 6,000 m streamers with 75 m cable separation and acquisition is scheduled to complete during early Q4 2011.
Data processing will be performed by TGS and will be available to clients from Q2 2012.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 22.07.11 Polarcus secures USD 410 million bank facility.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed a term sheet for a bank facility of USD 410 million with DnB NOR Bank ASA and DVB Bank SE, Nordic Branch, together with Garanti-instituttet for Eksportkreditt (GIEK) and Eksportfinans ASA (the "Fleet Bank Facility"). The Fleet Bank Facility is offered at attractive terms and significantly improves the CompanyТs financial position and flexibility going forward.
The Fleet Bank Facility will be drawn down in 5 tranches and used to refinance existing debt related to POLARCUS ALIMA, POLARCUS ASIMA, POLARCUS SAMUR, and to finance the newbuildings POLARCUS AMANI, POLARCUS ADIRA. The two newbuildings are currently under construction at Ulstein Verft and are expected to be delivered in Q1 and Q2 2012 respectively.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 21.07.11 TGS expands 3D Multi-client seismic data library in Sierra Leone.
TGS will commence acquisition of multi-client 3D seismic data in offshore Sierra Leone later this month. This survey marks over ten years of investment for TGS in the West African region and will add 2,535 km(2) to the existing TGS data library. The new 3D seismic will provide important data for continued exploration on the Sierra Leone segment of the West Africa Transform Margin, where recent discoveries have established that a working hydrocarbon system exists.
The M/V Geo Carribean (Fugro) will acquire the 2011 survey. Data processing will be performed by TGS and available to clients in Q1 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS-NOPEC

ХХХ 21.07.11 Providence starts 3D seismic acquisition Offshore Ireland.
Providence Resources has commenced a 3D seismic survey in Frontier Exploration License (FEL) 4/08 in the Porcupine Basin, off the west coast of Ireland.
The operator is using a vessel supplied by Polarcus Limited and will receive 49,421 acres (200 kilometers) of 3D survey. Providence operates the area with a 32% interest; Chrysaor E&P Ireland Limited with 60%; and Sosina Exploration Limited with 8%.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 21.07.11 OSD to design seismic support/chase vessel series for Bourbon.
Offshore Ship Designers (OSD) has been chosen to design a series of six new fuel-efficient seismic support/chase vessels ordered by French offshore major Bourbon to be built at DubaiТs Grandweld Shipyards.
The 53m vessels will have a fuel efficient hybrid propulsion system delivering a flexible economic solution for the varied conditions required to support seismic survey vessels including transit speed, slow speed escort and support work and a high degree of manoeuvrability.
Neil Patterson, managing director of OSD-IMT, the UK arm of Offshore Ship Designers says, "We worked closely with Grandweld during the tender period and following their selection as one of the short-listed bidders, we assisted them technically during the successful contract negotiation process, and are pleased to have been entrusted with the design of these new vessels."
The vessels will be chartered by Bourbon to CGGVeritas with delivery of the first vessels set for the end of 2012. They will be used to support the fleet of CGGVeritas seismic survey vessels operating all over the world, providing them with services including crew change, fuel delivery, storage, assistance and support during at-sea maintenance operations.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 20.07.11 Novatek tanker sets sail on Northern Sea Route.
Novatek has announced the inaugural voyage of a high-tonnage Panamax class tanker, which has navigated a new route north of the New Siberian Islands. On June 29, 2011, the tanker Perseverance set sail from the Russian port of Murmansk carrying a cargo of 60 thousand tons of Novatek's stable gas condensate destined for consumers in China. Icebreaking support for this voyage was provided by Russia's Atomflot, a government-owned shipping entity, and the tanker is now on course to its final destination.
Novatek is the first company to utilize the Northern Sea Route in the 2011 summer navigational period. Between June and October 2011, the Company plans to ship six or seven cargoes of stable gas condensate, produced by the Purovsky Gas Condensate Processing Plant, to markets in the Asian-Pacific region via the Northern Sea Route.
Transporting hydrocarbons through the Northern Sea Route is expected to reduce the costs and delivery time for shipments from Russia's northern ports to consumers in the Asian-Pacific region. The use of the Northern Sea Route provides new technical information and navigational experience for hydrocarbon transportation under Arctic conditions and is an integral part of Novatek's logistical strategy to develop prospective fields in the Yamal peninsula.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 20.07.11 Landsowne completes 3D seismic surveys in North Celtic Sea.
Landsowne Oil & Gas has completed 3D seismic operations on its Amergin, Rosscarbery and Midleton Prospects in the North Celtic Sea, off the south coast of Ireland. The surveys were acquired using the seismic vessel Polarcus Samur.
Steve Boldy, chief executive officer of Lansdowne, commented: "We are delighted with the performance of the Polarcus Samur and the timely completion of the Amergin, Rosscarbery and Midleton 3D seismic surveys ahead of schedule. The 3D data will now be processed with final results expected to be available in November to allow updated interpretation of the prospects to be made ahead of farming down and planned exploratory drilling in 2012."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 20.07.11 EMGS awarded survey by Statoil.
Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has signed a contract with Statoil to acquire high-resolution, full-azimuth 3D electromagnetic (EM) data for research purposes in the Barents Sea.
The survey will be performed by the vessel Atlantic Guardian using densely sampled receiver grids, thereby providing high-resolution data.
Following the survey in the Barents Sea, which is expected to take approximately 12 days, the vessel will complete its campaign of back-to-back surveys with a work programme in the North Sea before heading to the Americas towards the end of July.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 19.07.11 Hyperdynamics issues tender for deep water 3-D seismic survey.
Hyperdynamics Corporation has issued an Invitation to Tender for a 3-D seismic survey covering approximately 4,000 square kilometers on its exploration block offshore Republic of Guinea.
Acquisition of the new 3-D survey was approved by the Guinea project's Petroleum Operations Management Committee during its recent semi-annual meeting in Conakry, Guinea. The Committee also approved a revised budget of $95 million for 2011. The revised budget includes the previously approved drilling of two exploration wells planned for the fourth quarter, as well as the new seismic survey.
The new deep water survey will be adjacent to Survey A, where Hyperdynamics acquired its initial 3,635-square-kilometer 3-D seismic survey in 2010. The deep water survey will allow the Company to study Upper Cretaceous submarine fan structures along the Transform Margin trend of Guinea in Northwest Africa.
The Company plans to award the contract in August and expects to begin the survey before the end of the year.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 15.07.11 Seismic group Seabird has sought an extension to the repayment of a bond loan due to a shortage of cash caused by idle time on two of its ships.
Seabird is calling of a bondholders meeting on 21 |July seeking to extend the maturity date of the bond loan Ц worth NOK 81.75 million (US $14.73 m) by two months until September.
"The shortage of funds needed to settle the bond issue on maturity is caused by the aftermaths of the four months idle time December to March 2011 of the OBN operation with Hugin Explorer and Munin Explorer in standby mode," - Seabird stated today in an Oslo Stock Exchange announcement.
"Furthermore some of SeaBird's 2D/3D vessels were mobilising for work during Q1 2011, and one vessel was working on multi-client surveys for 6-7 months where cash income from sales has been delayed," - the company points out.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 13.07.11 CGGVeritas announced completion of 3D BroadSeis Survey for Shell in Gabon.
CGGVeritas announced that it has completed a 3D BroadSeis seismic survey for Shell over complex salt structures in deep water offshore Gabon.
As a complement to a conventional acquisition project (7,900 km2), the 3D BroadSeis survey was acquired by the CGGVeritas Symphony operating with ten Sercel Sentinelо solid streamers equipped with the Sercel Nautilusо streamer control device. DovetailTM, a new proprietary CGGVeritas acquisition and processing solution designed to reduce infill and achieve more regular sampling, was also deployed on this project.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO, CGGVeritas, said: "We are pleased to have partnered with Shell in Gabon to demonstrate the step change that our BroadSeis broadband marine solution can bring to the promising deep water plays offshore Gabon. We are confident that the enhanced low frequencies acquired by BroadSeis will meet the goals of Shell and achieve excellent penetration of the complex salt to provide clearer imaging of the pre-salt targets as well as simultaneously providing unrivalled bandwidth for the investigation of shallow amplitude anomalies."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 12.07.11 NPD commences seismic survey in Barents Sea.
Just after midnight on July 8, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) started acquisition of seismic data in Norway's new maritime zone in the Barents Sea.
PGS will be conducting the acquisition on behalf of the NPD using the vessel R.V. Harrier Explorer.
This is the first time this area will be systematically mapped. The seismic acquisition activity will continue until the first half of September 2011, with a possible extension of a couple of weeks. The acquisition will be 2D seismic, which means that one long streamer Ц 8100 meters Ц is fastened to the vessel. The seismic lines have variable spacing Ц from 5 to 15 kilometers.
NPD geophysicist and project coordinator Lars Jensen tells us that the sea area to be mapped is quite large. He says that the NPD plans to complete acquisition of seismic data next summer so that the results will be ready in the spring of 2013.
The data acquisition will take place using PGS' GeoStreamer technology. This is a new technology for seismic acquisition, characterized in part by the fact that the streamer is towed somewhat deeper in the water than is the case in conventional seismic acquisition. This means that the cable can withstand higher waves, making the acquisition activity less weather-dependent and thus more efficient.
The Harrier Explorer is coming from Jan Mayen, where the vessel has been shooting seismic for the NPD for about 3.5 weeks. So far, Lars Jensen is pleased with the GeoStreamer technology, and says that the acquisition activity has gone very well and with no weather delays.
The acquisition will start with five SSE-NNW lines. The plan is then to acquire a few lines in the north-south direction in order to complete the southernmost part of the area first.
Daily reports will be issued from Vardo radio stating the position of the seismic vessel for the next 24 hours.
Source: Norwegian Petroleum Directorate

ХХХ 08.07.11 TGS announced new 2D Survey in Laptev and East Siberian Seas.
TGS will commence acquisition of a new 7,700 km 2D survey in the Russian Arctic Sea.
Data acquisition will begin in early August with 4,500 km in the Laptev Sea before the vessel moves to the East Siberian Sea to acquire an additional 3,200 km.
The survey is in partnership with Dalmornefte Geophysica Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (DMNG) under the 2D Cooperation Agreement previously announced in a press release on 4 January 2011.
The seismic data will be acquired by M/V Akademik Fersman and will be completed in early Q4 2011.
Data processing from the new acquisition will be performed by DMNG and available to clients from late Q1 2012. The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 08.07.11 SeaBird Exploration has issued an update regarding its business activities.
After completing half of her multiclient survey in the Gulf of Mexico in mid-April, Osprey Explorer will, from mid-July, continue the survey following drydock and standby waiting on environmental and other governmental approvals. The survey will be completed end August.
Management expects cost recovery during the survey period including standby time with potential uplift following sales of survey data in the second half of 2011. She will then immediately mobilize for her previously reported survey in South America until early December 2011.
After completion of her current survey in South Africa around mid July, Northern Explorer will immediately mobilize for West Africa following an award for a survey with expected completion end September 2011 and thereafter commence a short survey through to end October.
SeaBird has received Letter of Awards for 2 further contracts for 2D/3D surveys in Far East, with expected completion January 2012. These contracts have a combined value of about US$ 25-30 million.
In addition, Harrier Explorer is continuing on her long term charter with PGS to mid September 2011.
The company's CEO, Tim Isden, said: "We are encouraged by the increase in volume and continuity in the 2D and low end 3D market. In addition we are experiencing slightly firmer rates. SeaBird has a high quality fleet and an excellent reputation with clients, and this brings a higher expectation of awards. To date in 2011, SeaBird has reported contracts worth around US$70 million with potential MC sales uplift above that figure."
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 07.07.11 TGS announced a new 3D Multi-client Survey in Northern North Sea.
TGS will commence acquisition of a new 3D multi-client survey which covers 1,100 km2 over the Magnus Basin, including the southwest to northeast striking "End of the World" fault.
TGS will also reprocess approximately 6,500 km2 of 3D seismic data in the same area to build a combined project of 7,600 km2.
The new seismic data will be acquired by M/V Geo Pacific towing 8 x 6,000 m streamers and be completed in Q3 2011.
Data processing from the new acquisition and reprocessing will be performed by TGS and available to clients from late Q1 2012.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 06.07.11 WesternGeco announced the start of the Revolution II multiclient survey, which builds on the successful Dual Coil Shooting multivessel full-azimuth (FAZ) acquisition of Revolution I in the Western Gulf of Mexico acquired in late 2010.
This latest survey is located in the highly prospective Green Canyon area of the Central Gulf of Mexico, where long offsets and FAZ imaging solutions assist our customers in their future production and appraisal drilling plans. The Revolution II multiclient survey will provide FAZ coverage on over 3200 km2 or 140 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks.
"Traditionally, if clients required multiple azimuths and long offsets, a seismic crew needed to sail multiple times over the same area. With our patented Dual Coil Shooting technique, acquisition has been optimized so that only one seismic crew is needed to capture all azimuths in a single survey," - said Thomas Scoulios, North America region manager, WesternGeco. "In light of the ongoing need to determine reservoirs and their potential more accurately, Dual Coil Shooting is a part of the solution."
Building on multi- and wide-azimuth techniques, Dual Coil Shooting is an advanced method of acquiring full-azimuth, ultra long offset marine seismic data using four vessels following a circular path. This method allows the WesternGeco fleet to focus imaging on specific areas of client interest. Dual Coil Shooting provides better target illumination in challenging environments by enabling greater azimuthal coverage and a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Dual Coil Shooting technology is possible due to the capabilities of the unique WesternGeco Q-Marine point-receiver marine seismic acquisition system.
WesternGeco will apply advanced seismic data processing techniques to this survey, including true-azimuth 3D GSMP General Surface Multiple Prediction and anisotropic reverse time migration (RTM).
Source: WesternGeco

ХХХ 05.07.11 Providence completed the 3D seismic Offshore Ireland.
Providence has, on behalf of itself and its partners, successfully completed the 3D seismic acquisition project over the Barryroe oil discovery ("Barryroe") in the North Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland.
Polarcus Limited has supplied a vessel for the 3D seismic survey. The partners believe that modern 3D seismic data, in tandem with modern well completions in the current high oil price environment, will be key components to unlocking value at Barryroe. This survey forms part of the planned pre-development drilling program on the Barryroe, where drilling is scheduled to commence in September utilizing the already contracted semi-submersible rig, the GSF ARCTIC III.
Providence operates Barryroe (50%) with partners San Leon Energy (30%) and Lansdowne Oil & Gas (20%).
Source: Providence Resources plc.

ХХХ 01.07.11 Grandweld wins Bourbon order.
IHS Fairplay reports that Bourbon has announced that it has ordered six seismic support and assistance vessels from the Grandweld shipyard in Dubai.
IHS Fairplay said they have been contracted to service a five-year charter agreement with CGG Veritas, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2012.
A Bourbon statement said: "These 53m-long vessels will have hybrid propulsion consisting of two classic diesel engines to move at speed for transit work and two electric engines that are very precise and economical in terms of energy, for escort and support work for the seismic survey vessels."
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 01.07.11 Seabird to Acquire Seismic in Bonaparte Basin.
Octanex N.L. subsidiary Goldsborough Energy Pty Ltd. has awarded Seabird Exploration FZ LLC a contract for the acquisition of 3D and 2D marine seismic data within the areas of WA-422-P, WA-420-P, WA-407-P and WA-421-P, which lie offshore the northwest coast of Western Australia.
Octanex reports that no less than 600 sq km of 3D seismic and approximately 1,000 kms of 2D seismic will be acquired under the contract. The Octanex Group has now substantially completed the reprocessing of more than 11,000 line kilometers of good quality 2D seismic acquired by previous operators over its suite of South Bonaparte permits.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 29.06.11 CGGVeritas has signed a five-year marine charter agreement with BOURBON for six new support vessels to assist its seismic operations.
The new vessels will be delivered starting at the end of 2012.
The chartered vessels will support CGGVeritas seismic vessels during their survey operations around the world, by providing them with the requisite ancillary services including refueling, crew change, food and equipment delivery, storage, assistance, and support during in-sea maintenance operations. In addition, their unique hybrid propulsion will offer exceptional operational flexibility and low energy consumption.
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 29.06.11 GC Rieber Shipping (RISH) in merger negotiations with GC Rieber.
Seismic operations may continue as a listed company. RISH would like to explore the possibility to develop RISH as a listed company focused on seismic assets and operations, while the other operations are merged into GC Rieber AS. This structure would imply that GC Rieber AS would reduce its ownership in the listed entity below 50%.
CEO in GC Rieber Shipping, Irene Waage Basili, comments: "We are excited about the prospects of a pure-play listed vehicle that will control all our seismic activities while we further develop the subsea and ice support segments within GC Rieber AS. This structure enables better focus on all our segments with regards to developing, owning and operating vessels to meet our customersТ needs. Provided we move forward with this structure, we shall continue to offer high-end seismic vessels and quality maritime operations to our clients while ensuring that the listed company is deemed an attractive investment object on the Oslo Stock Exchange."
Source: GC Rieber

ХХХ 28.06.11 EMGS awarded survey by Statoil.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) announced that it has signed a contract with Statoil to acquire high-resolution, full-azimuth 3D electromagnetic (EM) data for continued research purposes in the Barents Sea.
The survey will be performed by the vessel Atlantic Guardian using densely sampled receiver grids, thereby providing high-resolution data.
Following the survey in the Barents Sea, which is expected to take approximately twelve days, the vessel will complete its campaign of back-to-back surveys with a work programme in the North Sea before heading to the Americas towards the end of July.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 28.06.11 Shell's new LNG facility is world's largest floating object.
The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) has taken the final investment decision on the Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Project in Australia (100% Shell), building the world's first FLNG facility. Moored far out to sea, some 200 kilometres from the nearest land in Australia, the FLNG facility will produce gas from offshore fields, and liquefy it onboard by cooling.
The decision means that Shell is now ready to start detailed design and construction of what will be the world's largest floating offshore facility, in a ship yard in South Korea.
From bow to stern, Shell's FLNG facility will be 488 metres long, and will be the largest floating offshore facility in the world - longer than four soccer fields laid end to end. When fully equipped and with its storage tanks full, it will weigh around 600,000 tonnes - roughly six times as much as the largest aircraft carrier. Some 260,000 tonnes of that weight will consist of steel - around five times more than was used to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The facility has been designed to withstand the severest cyclones - those of Category 5. Ocean-going LNG carriers will offload liquefied gas, chilled to minus 162 Celsius and shrunk in volume by 600 times, and other products, directly from the facility out at sea for delivery to markets worldwide. Until now, the liquefaction of offshore gas has always involved piping the gas to a land-based plant.
Shell has progressed the Prelude FLNG project at a rapid pace, with first production of LNG expected some ten years after the gas was discovered. The FLNG facility will tap around 3 trillion cubic feet equivalent of resources contained in the Prelude gas field. Shell discovered the Prelude gas field in 2007.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 27.06.11 WGP Group announced accomplishment of the 2nd phase of the Chirag Azeri Reservoir Seismic Project (CARSP).
Acting as BP's Lead Service Provider, mobilisation of MV Citadel began on 12-December-09 and was completed early in March 2010. After encountering some minor issues with newly installed equipment and delays with weather, the project began to run very smoothly due to the combined efforts of all involved.
Survey activity commenced on 31-March-10 and each survey comprised of the deployment and recovery of 22 x 6km sections of seabed sensor array cables (4 component) from one field to another along with 11 x 500m sections of associated backbone cable.
A total of 4 cable deployment and recovery operations were executed within the allotted time schedule at Central Azeri, West Azeri, West Chirag and DWG platforms. All cables were deployed to BP specifications. Each cable phase was completed within 5-6 weeks with the subsequent associated seismic source operational survey phase taking approximately 4 weeks to complete.
All work was completed on 22-February-11 and MV Citadel made for port for full demobilisation from 12-March-11 to 17-April-11, one week ahead of the projected schedule. The equipment will now have a period of planned maintenance whilst the project is in standby mode until the start-up of Phase 3 of CARSP.
Chris Osborn, representing WGP as Offshore Manager for Cable Operations, further commented: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in making CARSP Phase 2 such a success. These included Sonsub which supplied ROV and survey equipment and personnel, GERI which supplied cable technical support, Bolle & Cords which supplied electrical and mechanical support to WGP, together with all the other sub-contractors involved. Also special thanks to WGP (UK) and UOG Base (Baku) for their shore side support during operations".
Source: WGP

ХХХ 27.06.11 Power packs for new Ramforms.
Seismic specialist PGS has placed a US $24 million order with ABB for the supply of power and propulsion systems for two new Ramform ships.
ABB is to supply the systems for two new generation W-class Ramform vessels being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on behalf of PGS Included in the ABB scope of supply are power management systems, generators, transformers, frequency converters and motors, to provide and fuel efficient propulsion for the two new 3D survey ships.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 24.06.11 TGS Signs Agreement with Dolphin for Joint 2D Multi-client Survey in Northwest Africa.
TGS has signed an agreement with Dolphin Geophysical Ltd. to jointly acquire, process and market multi-client 2D seismic data along Northwest Africa.
The survey will total 25,000 km of long offset seismic data in the offshore areas of multiple countries. This program was designed based on the partnership's extensive geologic knowledge of the area. Approximately 10,000 km of seismic data has been acquired to date using the M/V Artemis Atlantic and the remaining acquisition will continue into the second half of 2011.
The data will improve the understanding of highly prospective areas along the Northwest African Passive Margin and adds to TGS' existing and continuous multi-client 2D seismic library along the African margin.
Data processing will be performed by TGS and certain data will be available to clients beginning in late 2011, with the full program completed in 2012.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 23.06.11 Spectrum agrees $23m 2D seismic acquisition deal with Seabird.
Spectrum has secured a significant 2D seismic acquisition capacity with Seabird for expansion of their Multi-Client library, together with a re-let agreement for SpectrumТs vessel, the GGS Atlantic.
As part of the continued growth of SpectrumТs Multi-Client library, the company has now committed to the acquisition of 2D seismic data worth 23 million dollars (US) over the next 3 years. This commitment is part of a signed frame agreement with SeaBird Exploration to draw on their extensive worldwide seismic fleet. Acquisition costs to Spectrum will be fixed at competitive market rates.
This agreement will ensure an efficient and sustainable working partnership perpetuated by Spectrum and Seabird since SpectrumТs Big Wave in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that utilized SeabirdТs vessel the R/v Munin to acquire infill data for this flagship product.
Under the agreement the bareboat charter of SpectrumТs own seismic acquisition vessel, the GGS Atlantic will be assigned to Seabird until August 2012 on the same terms currently enjoyed by Spectrum.
Source: Spectrum

ХХХ 22.06.11 A $75 million settlement between BP and oilfield service company Weatherford allows both companies to focus on safer offshore drilling, BP said.
BP announced that Weatherford agreed to pay $75 million to settle potential claims tied to last year's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Weatherford built the float collar used on the failed Macondo well on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. The collar is used to help contain cement at the bottom of the well.
The process used to cement the Macondo well was blamed in part for the series of malfunctions that led to a deadly explosion that led to one of the worst oil spills in the history of the industry.
"This settlement allows BP and Weatherford to put our legal issues behind us and move forward together in strengthening processes and procedures, safety, and best practices in offshore drilling," BP America Chairman and President Lamar McKay said in a statement.
BP added that it was working with Deepwater Horizon rig operator Transocean; Halliburton, which was responsible for the cement; and Anadarko, a co-owner of the project, to make sure they contributed appropriately.
BP added it would apply the Weatherford settlement to the $20 billion trust fund set up in response to the oil spill.
Source: Geonews

ХХХ 20.06.11 SeaBird Exploration PLC - the following new 2D contracts awarded.
The Aquila Explorer has been awarded two LOI's for surveys of combined 4,600 line km in Indonesia for approximately two months work prior to her previously announced contract on 6th May. The vessel will now be working in direct continuation until mid September 2011.
The Hawk Explorer after completing her scheduled dry-dock in Las Palmas will mobilise to Mediterranean Sea where she will commence a 1,500 line km survey until mid July 2011.
The combined contract values for these contracts are approximately USD 5 million.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 20.06.11 Statoil reported that its Skrugard discovery provides renewed optimism for the whole Barents Sea region and reaffirms its long-term prospective of the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Statoil now estimates that the Skrugard discovery in the Barents Sea to contain approximately 250 million boe recoverable resources, with a significant upside potential in the license. The Skrugard well has significantly improved Statoil's understanding of other prospects in the area.
Finding new discoveries and enhancing production from existing fields will be critical for Norway's future. In 2010, the nation recorded the largest decline worldwide in oil production in 2010, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2011.
BP reports that Norway had 3.3 million b/d of oil production in 2000; at the end of 2010, the country had 2.1 million b/d. Norway had estimated proved oil reserves of 11.4 thousand million barrels at the end of 2000; at the end of 2010, the country had 6.7 thousand million barrels.
Oil production in non-OPEC countries in 2010 grew by 860,000 b/d, or 1.8 percent, the largest increase since 2002, according to the review. Growth was led by China, which recorded its largest production increase ever, the U.S., and Russia, while continued declines in Norway and the UK partly offset growth elsewhere.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 17.06.11 More gas has been found in the Norwegian sector of the Barents Sea on the Norvarg prospect.
Drilling partner Rocksource today reported that well operator Total has made a gas discovery at three intervals within in the 7225/3-1 well.
"Preliminary well data indicate gas at three different levels, a significant part of it in the Kobbe formation," - Rocksource reported.
Total operated the well in PL535, and a decision has been taken to carry out a production flow test, so Rocksource has indicated it is too early yet to indicate whether the discovery is commercial or not.
As a result of the decision to carry out a production test, completion of the well will take longer than previously anticipated.
The other well partners are Det norske oljeselskap and North Energy.
Drilling has been carried out with the West Phoenix semi-submersible.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 16.06.11 GX Technology Group extends Polar Explorer contract, 2D SPANS project, for a further 3 months.
Dolphin Geophysical has signed a contract with IONТs GX Technology group (GXT) for a three month 2D SPANS seismic acquisition survey in Eastern Greenland. The project will be acquired by Polar Explorer, the CompanyТs first 2D vessel, with acquisition commencing mid-July 2011.
The vessel will transit directly from its current project in Nigeria to Greenland.
Atle Jacobsen CEO Dolphin Geophysical quotes "The contract extension from GXT further proves our clients' confidence in our ability to deliver.
Furthermore this project strengthens our commitment to becoming the leading contractor for Arctic seismic operations with a unique 2D fleet holding this capacity."
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 15.06.11 RXT expands on Afren contract.
Referring to a stock exchange announcement concerning an LOI signed with an international oil company, RXT has announced that a contract with Afren Energy Services Ltd for acquisition of 4C seismic data offshore Nigeria has now been signed.
The estimated value of the contract is approximately US$41 million and its duration is estimated at four and half months.
The survey will be acquired by Ocean Pearl and Vikland.
The survey will commence at the end of the second quarter of 2011.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 14.06.11 SeaBird Exploration PLC has been awarded the following 2D contracts.
Osprey Explorer has been awarded an LOI by an oil supermajor for a 2D survey between 8,000 and 11,000 km in South America.
The vessel will mobilize after her current commitment in the GOM and commence the survey from September to December 2011.
GGS Atlantic will be mobilizing from the Gulf of Mexico to the Barents Sea for a multi-client survey commencing July for 8,600 km employing the vessel until mid October 2011. Management expects cost recovery during 2011 and with potential uplift following sales of survey data in the first half of 2012.
The combined contract values for these two contracts are approximately USD10 million with a potential of USD12 million based on expected MC sales.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 14.06.11 Uruguay Round II: new 2D seismic data available of offshore basins.
The company Reflect Geophysical Pte Ltd under an exclusive contract with ANCAP has already completed the survey for the acquisition of geophysical data in the Uruguayan offshore, through the seismic vessel R/V Reflect Aries. The new data is additional information that doesnТt overlap with the existent 2D seismic data information.
ANCAP will offer field and pre-processed seismic data, as well as gravity and magnetic data, on a sound and flexible licensing model to oil companies interested in evaluating the hydrocarbon potential and exploration opportunities offshore Uruguay, with regards to the Uruguay Round II in which ANCAP will offer offshore areas for exploration-exploitation of hydrocarbons. The processing and interpretation of the raw 2D seismic data will be considered by ANCAP as work units of the exploratory work program to be committed by the bidders. All another especial processing activities will also be included as work units of the work program.
The bid round is scheduled for a formal launch on September 7, 2011 in Montevideo. It will include 15 offshore blocks covering most of UruguayТs continental shelf. Production-sharing agreements will be on offer.
The survey comprise 58 regional and infill lines for a total of approximately 6,300 km, in a wide area of the Uruguayan Exclusive Economic Zone; from shallow waters (20 meters depth) 50 km coast away, up to ultra-deep waters (3,500 meters depth).
Combined with ANCAPТs existing 2D data, these new data provide almost full coverage of the Punta del Este, Pelotas and Oriental del Plata basins.
This survey adds information to the amount of data already available by ANCAP, such as the commercialized by CGG Veritas for about 12.000 Km of 2D seismic data (acquired during 2002, 2007 and 2008).
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 14.06.11 Another new order for Kleven - Sanco orders seismic vessel.
Kleven MaritimeТs orderbook continues to increase. Sanco Shipping has signed a contract with Kleven Maritime a seismic ship with an option for an additional vessel.
With this contract, the group's order backlog stands at 11 ships with a combined value of about NKr 4.2 billion.
Sanco Holding AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanco Shipping has ordered a ST 324 CE seismic vessel for delivery in May 2013.
The vessel is designed by Skipsteknisk in Alesund and will be 88.9m in length with a beam of 21.5m and deadweight of 2,700 tonnes.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 10.06.11 Searcher Seismic announced the commencement of the Bjornoya Basin North 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd in conjunction with its project partner MAGE announced the commencement in acquisition of the Bjornoya Basin North (BBN11) 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey in the Norwegian Barents Sea utilising the seismic vessel the RV Professor Kurentsov. The survey is sponsored by Front Exploration, a "High North focused" exploration company based in Northern Norway.
The BBN11 2D Seismic Survey is a high resolution 2D seismic survey of 3,121 kms that in particular targets the shallow prospective sedimentary section along the Bjornoyrenna Fault Zone Complex. The survey provides a dense infill to the existing seismic data resulting in improved data coverage to a 1 x 1 km grid pattern. The BBN11 Survey will be seamlessly integrated with SearcherТs ongoing regional Havspurv 2D Seismic Survey utilising similar high resolution acquisition parameters.
The BBN11 Survey provides a total coverage of 2100 sq.km located in the vacant area about 30 kilometres north of the recent giant Skrugard oil discovery (250-500MMbbl recoverable reserves).
The data is scheduled to be completed in processing during Q4 2011.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 10.06.11 Providence begins 3D survey in the North Celtic Sea, Offshore Ireland.
Providence Resources has, on behalf of itself and its partners, commenced its 3D seismic acquisition project in the north Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland. The survey, which is expected to be completed within 2 weeks, forms part of the planned pre-development drilling programme on the Barryroe oil discovery ('Barryroe'). Providence operates Barryroe (50%) with partners San Leon Energy (30%) and Lansdowne Oil & Gas (20%).
Using a vessel supplied by POLARCUS Limited, the 3D seismic survey will be used to assist in the pre-development drilling programme designed to progress Barryroe to first oil. The drilling of Barryroe is scheduled to commence late this summer, with the GSF Arctic III semi-submersible rig already contracted for the drilling programme. The partners believe that modern 3D seismic data, in tandem with modern well completions in the current high oil price environment, will be key components to unlocking value at Barryroe.
Source: Providence Resources

ХХХ 09.06.11 Seismic activity in the Barents Sea East from 7 July.
It has now been determined that there will be seismic acquisition in the eastern part of the Barents Sea from July 7. The necessary formalities surrounding the Treaty on Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean between Norway and Russia are now in place. The activity can start 30 days following this.
The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate will be responsible for the seismic acquisition on behalf of Norwegian authorities, and the PGS vessel Harrier Explorer will carry out the acquisition.
Harrier Explorer is now on its way to Jan Mayen to start seismic acquisition there. The vessel will acquire seismic in this area, starting June 10 and lasting three to four weeks, before setting course for the eastern part of the Barents Sea. The voyage from Jan Mayen to the eastern part of the Barents Sea will likely take four to five days.
An agreement has been entered into with PGS regarding hiring the vessel for three months with an option of an extension for approx. one month. This entails that the acquisition activity in the Barents Sea East will take place for two to three months.
The data acquisition will take place with the aid of PGS' Geostreamer technology. This is a new technology for 2D seismic acquisition, characterized in part by the fact that the streamer, which in this case is eight kilometers long, is towed somewhat deeper in the water than is the case in conventional seismic acquisition. This means that the streamer can withstand higher waves, thus making the acquisition activity less dependent on weather and consequently more efficient.
Source: NPD

ХХХ 08.06.11 Otto begins seismic acquisition offshore Philippines.
Otto has commenced a 3D seismic data acquisition program in Service Contract 69 (SC 69) in the Visayan Basin of the Republic of Philippines.
The seismic vessel BGP Explorer, operated by Exploiter Pte Ltd (a subsidiary of BGP), has been contracted to record the seismic data. Otto plans to acquire approximately 210 km2 of 3D seismic data in SC69.
SC69 covers an area of 5,280 km2 in the central Visayan Basin where the data acquired from the successful 2D seismic campaign last year confirmed the presence of two sizable reef structures, Lampos and Lampos South that sit immediately adjacent to the Calamangan Trough which is modeled to generate both oil and gas. Current "success case" estimates of oil initially in place in the combined structures range between 22 mmbbls and 713 mmbbls with a mean in place volume of 290 mmbbls.
This survey fulfils the service contract commitments in the current sub-phase.
Otto's Managing Director Paul Moore said, "the ongoing exploration program in the Visayan region of the Philippines is a core part of Otto's exploration program with the 3D seismic currently being acquired ahead of the drilling obligation, in the next sub-phase."
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 07.06.11 TGS announced a new 3D multi-client seismic survey in the North Viking Graben.
TGS has commenced the acquisition of a fourth 3D multi-client survey in partnership with PGS.
The survey covers 2,772 km2 in the North Viking Graben over an area which has proven to be a very successful petroleum province of the North Sea.
The data is being acquired by PGSТ Atlantic Explorer utilizing GeoStreamer technology. This yearТs acquisition campaign, combined with the data acquired in 2009-2010, will total over 7,500 km2 of 3D data in this promising region.
The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 03.06.11 TGS Extends 3D Seismic Contract for the M/V Polar Duke.
TGS announced it has exercised the first option for the M/V Polar Duke with Dolphin Geophysical AS.
This extension is for two months which will take the total charter time to TGS through early October 2011. TGS still has a second option to extend the contract by an additional six months.
The project that the M/V Polar Duke will acquire will be announced separately.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 02.06.11 Good results for ULSTEIN.
Ulstein Group in Norway says it did well in 2010 with NKr 2.4 billion in operating income and an operating profit of NKr 354 million.
"We have a solid organisation of competent employees with a strong focus on delivery precision. Through good project management, we have achieved the goals set within our main business areas. This provides a good foundation for the continued building of a robust company", said CEO Gunvor Ulstein.
ULSTEIN said it has has made several strategic investments in the design and solutions area in recent years, and said this area delivered solid profits in 2010.
Since the beginning in 1999, close to 70 designs have been sold, and over 40 of these have been with the X-BOW hull design.
ULSTEIN said it also delivered good results in the shipbuilding area. "The ability to deliver a vessel to agreed quality, price and time are important competitive advantages," the company said in a statement about its results for 2010.
Last year ULSTEIN also invested NKr 136 million in research, development and innovation.
Ms Ulstein said: "Together with our employees and partners in the maritime industry, we will continue to look for opportunities and develop products and services, focusing on competitiveness, the environment and innovation."
This year as the year before, all employees in ULSTEIN will receive a bonus. The bonus is made up of a group bonus and a company bonus, and amounts to one weekТs salary minimum per employee. "We have a dedicated workforce with the ability to deliver, and who work hard to reach our goals and meet our customersТ needs," Ms Ulstein concluded.
At the end of 2010, Ulstein Group had an order reserve of NKr 2.3 billion.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 01.06.11 SeaBird - update of the planed OBN Vessel.
SeaBird Exploration PLC has over the last few months worked with a Norwegian shipyard to develop and plan the construction of a second vessel in addition to the Hugin Explorer for deploying, retrieving and servicing Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN).
Through a mutual understanding between the yard and SeaBird, a condition for delivering the vessel in Q2/Q3 2012 was that a firm Shipbuilding contract was to be signed within May 2011. SeaBird is still developing its plans for a second OBN crew.
However, at present it is not considered good timing to introduce further commitments on the company with a firm construction contract for a second node vessel.
SeaBird is the front runner in developing the OBN technology, and has successfully completed six surveys for four super oil-majors over the past two years. SeaBird continues to see a growing interest in this technology, and expects more continuity in future surveys with potential for longer term contracts. SeaBird will revert to considerations of expanding capacity in due time.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 31.05.11 CGGVeritas reports the award of a seismic permit in the GoM.
CGGVeritas has been granted a seismic permit in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on the award of this permit, CGGVeritas is currently in discussions with various E&P companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico to finalize the design of a new multi-client program. The program will utilize BroadSeis, the company's breakthrough broadband marine solution, in a wide-azimuth configuration.
Subject to their standard prefunding considerations, the Gulf of Mexico program is targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 30.05.11 Sercel SeaPro Nav successfully deployed on seismic vessels.
Sercel has successfully deployed SeaPro Nav, its new integrated navigation system for all in-water equipment.
SeaPro Nav is currently being used as the master integrated navigation system on board two CGGVeritas 3D vessels, including Elnusa Finder operated by the Elnusa CGGVeritas joint venture. It is also being used in production on two 2D vessels operated by GuangZhou Marine Geological Survey (GMGS).
The SeaPro Nav integrated navigation system can be deployed for the full range of towed-streamer acquisition surveys from 2D through to wide-azimuth.
Its flexible and innovative multi-vessel architecture ensures easy operation and fast adoption of new seismic acquisition techniques.
With its advanced positioning algorithms, simple visual data displays and GIS-based sophisticated alarms, SeaPro Nav provides unrivalled flexibility through full compatibility with other Sercel marine equipment such as the Seal Sentinel solid streamer and Nautilusо streamer control device.
Jean-Francois Roudaut, VP, APAC Regional Marine Acquisition, CGGVeritas, said: "Everyone onboard Elnusa Finder appreciates how easy it is now to access positioning data with the Sercel SeaPro Nav. The upgrade was seamless and the benefits are clear."
SeaPro Nav is part of the Sercel navigation system portfolio, which also includes SeaPro Bin, SeaPro Current and SeaPro Resolve.
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 27.05.11 Gold Oil Inks LOI for Seismic Survey Offshore Peru.
Gold Oil has signed a Letter of Intent with BGP Geoexplorer PTE Ltd to acquire a marine 3D seismic survey over Block Z34 offshore Peru. The survey will acquire 123,553 acres (500 square kilometers) over the southern area of the license.
As previously announced, the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines recently approved the environmental permit covering Block Z34 for shooting a maximum of 199,661 acres (808 square kilometers) of 3D seismic offshore.
This initial survey compromises the first phase of 3D seismic over the license and an additional 271,816 acres (1,100 square kilometers) will be required to evaluate the northern area of this block. The survey is expected to commence soon and take about 30 days to complete.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 26.05.11 CGGVeritas announced that is has signed a contract with Bahamas Petroleum Company PLC to acquire a 3D survey with BroadSeisTM, its superior broadband marine solution.
The survey area, located to the south west of the Bahamas, covers approximately 3,000 km2. The CGGVeritas Viking will acquire the survey starting in May. The full range of frequencies recorded by BroadSeis are expected to provide higher-resolution imaging of Tertiary and Upper and lower Cretaceous formations as well as helping to illuminate the deep Cretaceous-Jurassic reservoir targets which lie beneath the major thrust structures.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said: "This survey is notable for being the first marine 3D survey ever recorded in Bahamas waters and is the first commercial deployment of BroadSeis in the Americas. This award confirms the continued growing interest in the ability of BroadSeis to provide unparalleled resolution and penetration for clearer imaging and reservoir characterization."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 26.05.11 3D seismic contract for Artemis Arctic.
Dolphin Geophysical has reached agreement with LOTOS Exploration & Production Norge AS, acting as operator on behalf of the License Group in PL 503, for the acquisition of a 1,563 km2 of 3D seismic in the North Sea.
The project will be acquired with the recent addition to Dolphin's fleet, Artemis Arctic, which will commence operations at the end of May 2011.
Artemis Arctic is the latest 3D addition to the company's rapidly expanding seismic fleet.
Atle Jacobsen, CEO of Dolphin, said: "Dolphin is very pleased to secure continued operation of Artemis Arctic and to acquire this important program for LOTOS E&P Norge in the North Sea.
"We are fully committed to making Artemis Arctic an efficient and profitable Dolphin-operated vessel and are pursuing additional contract opportunities to secure a longer term back-log for the vessel."
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 25.05.11 Bahamas Petroleum, Fugro Sign Contract for Seabed Survey.
Bahamas Petroleum has signed a contract with Fugro N.V. to undertake a high resolution seabed survey on the Company's license area. The survey will begin in early June; will take approximately six weeks to complete; and will also be used for the 3D seismic survey being undertaken by CGGVeritas.
Dr. Paul Crevello, CEO of Bahamas Petroleum, said, "We are pleased to have signed this contract with Fugro and look forward to receiving the results of the seabed survey in due course, which will be applied towards the hydrocarbon seep detection and environmental assessment of the area. This is another important step in the Company's exploration program."
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 24.05.11 TGS Expands 3D Multi-client Seismic Data Library in the Barents Sea. TGS commences the acquisition of multi-client 3D seismic data in the Hoop Fault Complex area of the Barents Sea. This survey is an extension of the previously announced Hoop Fault Complex survey and will add 1,800 km2 to the existing data in the area. Approximately 500 km2 of the survey are infill in the Northern area of the 2009 survey and the remaining 1,300 km2 are an extension to the east of the 2009 survey area. TGS is very pleased with the historical client response to the coverage in this new exploration province. Blocks have been awarded in the survey area during the last two rounds and with the 2011 acquisition, TGS will be able to provide extended coverage for future rounds. The M/V Polar Duke towing 10 x 6,000 m streamers with 75 m separation will acquire the 2011 survey. Data processing will be performed by TGS and will be available to clients in Q4 2011. The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 24.05.11 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for 4D seismic acquisition.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent for a 4D marine seismic acquisition project for an undisclosed client.
The project, subject to the execution of a service contract, will commence in Q4 2011 and is expected to run for approximately 60 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 23.05.11 CGGVeritas, PetroVietnam Enter Seismic JV.
CGGVeritas has signed an agreement with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) to create a marine joint venture company. The newly established company, PTSC CGGVeritas Geophysical Survey Company Limited, is 51% owned by PTSC and 49% owned by CGGVeritas and will deliver 2D and 3D marine seismic acquisition services to oil and gas company clients mainly operating in Vietnamese waters and the region.
CGGVeritas will contribute the Amadeus, a high-capacity 3D seismic vessel, to the joint venture and PTSC will contribute the Binh Minh II, a 2D seismic vessel.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said, "This joint venture builds on our long-term partnership with PTSC by supporting growing demand for 3D marine seismic for deepwater exploration and production in Vietnamese waters and by providing infrastructure for PTSC's international E&P activity and expansion globally."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 23.05.11 CGGVeritas Inks Agreement with Elnusa.
CGGVeritas has signed an agreement with Elnusa to create a marine joint venture company. The newly established company, PT Elnusa-CGGVeritas Seismic, is 51% owned by Elnusa and 49% owned by CGGVeritas and will deliver 2D and 3D marine seismic acquisition services to oil and gas company clients mainly operating in Indonesia and the Region.
PT Elnusa-CGGVeritas Seismic will operate the first Indonesian-owned and flagged seismic vessel, the Elnusa Finder. The Elnusa Finder was purpose-built in Singapore and is equipped with four Sercel solid streamers. She is scheduled to conduct her first commercial survey in Indonesia starting in May, 2011, near Madura Island in East Java, on behalf of Husky Oil.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said, "The Indonesian and regional oil and gas E&P industry has significant potential for growth. Our new joint venture will enable our long-term partner, Elnusa, to expand its capability in marine seismic services by building on local expertise and offering the benefits of the latest CGGVeritas seismic technology to regionally established clients."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 19.05.11 SeaBird secures Frame Agreement with Spectrum ASA.
SeaBird Exploration PLC, the market leader in deepwater node seismic and high end 2D acquisition, announced the signing of a Frame Agreement with Spectrum ASA for the acquisition of 2D seismic data to a minimum value of USD 23 million over a period of 36 months, and a Re-Let Agreement for the MV GGS Atlantic on a bareboat charter basis until August 2012. The effective date of these agreements is 20 May 2011.
Under the terms of the Frame Agreement, Spectrum will purchase vessel capacity from SBX under specific Call-off Orders for worldwide acquisition surveys. Spectrum is required to prioritize GGS Atlantic where geographic and technical parameters allow. Spectrum is also required to commit to 50% of the acquisition value of USD 23 million within the first 12 months of the Frame Agreement.
SBX, subject to vessel availability, commits to deliver 2D seismic acquisition services to SPU to a minimum value of USD 23 million at agreed rates over the period of 36 months. SBX has an option to extend by 6 months should vessel availability not allow completion, on same terms and conditions.
The Frame Agreement is non-exclusive beyond the above conditions and provides SBX with confirmed backlog across the 2D fleet.
Tim Isden, SeaBird's chief executive officer, commented:
"We are very pleased to have signed these agreements with Spectrum for the mutual benefit of both companies. Spectrum is an aggressive MC company with good sales record and with a comprehensive library covering many geographic areas. SeaBird's fleet of 2D vessels are well positioned around the World to efficiently cover SPU's requirement for 2D services. For the GGS Atlantic, it makes sense for SBX to absorb this vessel into our current operational structure with only marginal risk, whilst SPU can concentrate on multi client projects and data processing. We see this as a good strategic move for both companies with a continuing involvement over the long term."
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 18.05.11 TGS Expands 2D Multi-client Seismic Data Library in Northwest Europe with Three Surveys.
TGS commences the 2011 summer season with three 2D surveys in cooperation with Fugro; North Sea Renaissance 2011(NSR11), Mid-Norway Regional 2011 (MNR11) and Norwegian Barents Sea 2011 (NBR11).
The data to be collected includes approximately 10,000 km for NSR11 which is a regional infill West of Shetland utilizing the M/V Bergen Surveyor, approximately 10,000 km for MNR 11 which is a regional infill in the Norwegian Sea utilizing the M/V Akademik Shatskiy and approximately 10,000 km for NBR11 which is a regional infill in the Barents Sea utilizing the M/V Akademik Lazarev.
The above mentioned projects will enable TGS to continue building on the successful regional long offset grid in NW Europe. Upon completion of the 2011 acquisition season, the long offset grid will total approximately 285,000 km. The new long offset projects together with the previous yearТs programs will be important for companies in the early exploration phase as well as for license round preparation in both Norway and the UK.
The data will be jointly processed by TGS and Fugro and time and depth products will begin to be delivered later this year. Completion of all three projects is scheduled for the end of Q1 2012.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 17.05.11 Results from 2D seismic surveys over a region south of the Bahamas Islands in the Caribbean have highlighted the potential for huge geological structures.
Bahamas Petroleum Company reported on the results of Pre-Stack Time Migration and Post-Stack Depth Migration studies which were carried out last year and earlier this year with 2D data which have pinpointed multiple structures with lengths ranging from ten to 75 kilometres (6.25 Ц 46.8 miles) with an aerial extent larger than previously reported.
Bahamas chief executive Dr Paul Crevello, said: "What is most exciting is the scale and size of the structures we have been able to map and the value creation potential to the shareholder as we approach our first drilling campaign."
He continued: "These independent studies verify the exceptional size of these prospects and now allow visualization and interpretation of the internal character of potential reservoir systems."
Crevello said the size of the prospects, which cover 6,000 to over 120,000 acres, are: "...Recognized as some of the largest structures identified to date in the wider Gulf of Mexico area."
He said the structures identified are similar to super-giant structures in the southern Gulf of Mexico and in the Middle East.
Ryder Scott Associates is now preparing a Competent Persons Report on the data obtained, and at the end of this month CGGVeritas is expected to start a new 3,000 sq. km 3D seismic survey over southern Bahamas licences, which will take up to 90 days, and interpretation is to follow within four to five months.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 17.05.11 Obama: US will seek oil in Alaska and Gulf of Mexico.
The US will seek to expand domestic oil production in an attempt to reduce dependence on imported oil and bring down fuel prices, President Obama says.
According to a report from BBC News Online, new leases for exploration will be granted in non-protected areas of Alaska and in the Gulf of Mexico.
In his weekly address the president insisted the US could reduce its need for imported oil and improve safety. He urged Congress to back proposals to end taxpayer subsidies to highly profitable oil companies.
Using his address to tell Americans that he understood their concerns about rising prices, President Obama focused particularly on the price of fuel, which has spiked in recent months.
US consumers have historically enjoyed cheap fuel, but have seen prices reach US$4 per gallon in recent months.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 16.05.11 Total, ExxonMobil to Appraise Shale Gas Potential of Polish Concessions.
Total on Friday announced an agreement with ExxonMobil to farm into the Chelm and Werbkowice exploration concessions with a 49% interest, subject to the approval of the Polish authorities. Under the terms of the agreement, ExxonMobil and Total will form a partnership operated by ExxonMobil, which retains a 51% interest.
The entry into these concessions reflects Total's commitment to expanding activities in unconventional gas, notably in Europe, a growth segment of the Group.
Awarded for a period of five years from March 2009 and December 2008 respectively, the Chelm and Werbkowice exploration concessions are located in the Lublin Basin in southeastern Poland and cover 1,162 square kilometers and 995 square kilometers. The work program for each concession comprises acquisition of seismic data, drilling of an exploratory well and a production test if drilling results are encouraging.
To date ExxonMobil has already performed seismic acquisition works, as well as the drilling of an exploratory well on the Chelm concession currently being evaluated.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 13.05.11 Artemis Shipping assumes control of BOS seismic vessels.
Artemis Shipping, which is wholly owned by SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, has red into an agreement with Bergen Oilfield Services (BOS) to take over the seismic vessels Atemis Atlantic and Artemis Arctic.
At the same time, a charter agreement for both vessels has been entered into between Artemis Shipping AS and Dolpin Geophysical for fixed contracts of four and five years respectively, including an option for two further options of two years each.
The purchase of the two vessels was agreed after constructive negotiations between the board of BOS and SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, which was one of the siesmic company's largest creditors.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 13.05.11 Arctic Border States Agree on Rescue Cooperation.
Eight states that border the Arctic region Thursday agreed to cooperate in international search and rescue operations, signalling the growing importance of the region believed to host huge oil and gas reserves.
Melting sea ice allows for new potential shipping routes, and also opens up new areas for exploration of oil and gas and other minerals. This means more shipping and other activity in the region.
The treaty was announced at a summit co-hosted by Foreign Minister Lene Espersen of Denmark, the outgoing chair of the Arctic Council, and Kuupik Kleist, the premier of Greenland.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also attended the meeting in Nuuk, capital of Greenland.
The council groups Canada, Denmark including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
"There is a lot of interest to join the council as observer," said Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, incoming chair of the council, in a conference call from Nuuk.
China, Japan, South Korea, Italy and the European Union have applied to join as observers but a decision was not due at the Nuuk meeting, Bildt said.
Sweden was to focus on three areas: climate and the environment, economic development, and living conditions for people in the region.
"Here you see climate change faster than anywhere else," he said.
During its chairmanship Sweden would also aim to "make the Arctic voice heard at international climate talks," Bildt said.
Global sea levels are feared to be rising higher and faster than previously estimated due to rapidly melting Artic ice sheets, according to recent findings by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP).
The rise of between 0.9 and 1.6 meters suggested an almost three-fold higher rise in sea levels compared with a 2007 assessment by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Factors believed to drive the melt include emissions of methane gas as well as soot that changes the way how ice and snow interact with the sun, absorbing rather than reflecting the sunrays.
The Arctic Council, set up in 1996, also includes representatives of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic. Bildt said the council was "likely the organization where indigenous peoples have the greatest influence."
While exploration of oil and gas were national decisions, Bildt said, adding that he aimed to push for greater exchange of information among member states on how to avoid oil spills.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 12.05.11 Nord Stream lays last pipe of first gas pipeline through the Baltic.
Nord Stream AG has announced that all three sections of its first 1,224km gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea have now been laid and will be joined together underwater off the coast of Finland and Sweden in the summer.
The new pipeline system will start transporting natural gas from Russia directly to the European Union on schedule in the last quarter of 2011.
Construction of the second of the twin pipelines is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 12.05.11 TGS Expands 3D Multi-client Seismic Data Coverage in the Moray Firth.
TGS commences the second season of multi-client 3D seismic acquisition in the Moray Firth, offshore United Kingdom. The survey, MF11, will add over 2,500 km2 of new 3D data to the previous project area announced last June.
The M/V Oceanic Challenger will acquire the MF11 survey. Data collection is scheduled to be complete by the end of Q3 2011. Data processing will be performed by TGS and will include time processing and depth imaging deliverables.
The survey area covers open and licensed acreage north and east of the previously project, including coverage of the Halibut Horst trend and acreage around the Kildare and Buchan Fields. Upon completion of this newest 3D multi-client project, TGS will have a total of 4,700 km2 of contiguous data in the area. Data from the Moray Firth 2011 survey will be available for customers from Q2 2012. The survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: Dolphin

ХХХ 10.05.11 Dolphin to charter from Artemis Shipping AS the 3D Vessel Artemis Arctic for 5 years and the 2D ice class long offset vessel Artemis Atlantic for 4 years.
"In our continuing efforts to build a new leading Geophysical company, this opportunity to secure additional vessel capacity that will be operating immediately, is highly attractive to Dolphin. The financial terms for the two charters and related financing is very competitive and these vessels will fit well into our existing fleet and secure significant capacity and revenue growth for the company based on the existing capital structure of the Dolphin Group. We are pleased to recruit, consolidate and welcome new experienced employees into our organization and to ensure the new vessels will be profitable in a market where we expect stronger demand for seismic services," - commented Atle Jacobsen, CEO.
Dolphin Group ASA (Dolphin) experience a strong demand for its services and target to expand in a strong seismic market with the objective to position ourselves as a recognized and effective geophysical company. As part of this growth strategy, Dolphin have entered into long term charter agreements for two additional existing seismic vessels to increase its seismic fleet capacity. These vessels were offered to Dolphin by SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, as part of a restructuring arrangement with one of their clients.
Dolphin will together with Artemis Shipping and associated service providers ensure the full and continuing operation of each vessel and take the responsibility for the vessel operations.
Effective immediately, Dolphin has entered into agreements with Artemis Shipping AS (owned by SpareBank 1 SR-Bank) to Time-Charter the M/V Artemis Arctic (3D) for the initial firm period of 5 years with additional 2 times 2 years option. Dolphin have an option to upgrade the vessel to 8 streamer capacity, where the ship owner provide financing for the minor upgrade against an uplift in charter rates. Similar Time-Charter agreement has been entered into for the ice classed 2D vessel M/V Artemis Atlantic has been entered into a firm period of 4 years with 2 times 2 years option period. The bareboat element of the Time-Charter will be at a day-rate of USD 25.000 for the two vessels combined.
The M/V Artemis Atlantic will continue to acquire an existing 2D Multi Client program in West Africa. Dolphin will also purchase approximately 5.500 line kilometers of data already acquired, for the total amount of USD $3.3 million . The purchase includes the transfer of all permits, licenses, pre-funding arrangements, Multi Client prospects and existing plans for project expansion.
Furthermore, Dolphin will relocate the 3D vessel M/V Artemis Arctic to the North Sea to complete the existing back-log of contracts, commencing operations end of May 2011.
Dolphin will take over ownership of all seismic equipment onboard the two vessels, which will be fully financed with a 5 year financial lease arrangement with SpareBank 1 SR-Bank and SpareBank 1 SR Finans for the amount of NOK 84 million with interest terms of NIBOR plus 2,75% per annum.
Following this transaction, Dolphin and SpareBank 1 SR-Bank will enter into a standard term Drawing Facility for the amount of USD 5 million.
Dolphin does not intend to raise new equity capital in connection with the transaction. The company is continuously considering further growth expansion for the Group, through organic growth in the high-en 3D market segment as well as potential mergers or acquisitions that may involve new equity offerings or issuing of new shares as considerations.
Source: Dolphin

ХХХ 09.05.11 SeaBird announced 2D contract awards.
SeaBird Exploration Limited on Friday issued an update regarding its business activities as set out below.
Aquila Explorer has commenced a short 4D survey in Australia for an oil major and will then commence a multi client survey for one month until mid to end June. SeaBird has also received a Letter of Award for a 4,400 line-km survey in Indonesia to follow in direct continuation. The vessel will be employed until early August 2011.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 04.05.11 RXT has entered into a LOI regarding acquisition of 4C seismic data in West Africa.
The multi-component seismic company Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA (RXT) has entered into a LOI with an international oil company regarding acquisition of 4C seismic data in West Africa. The intention is to conclude the final contract during May and start up of the project will be in Q2.
The work is estimated to take 4-5 months, depending on the final lay out of the acquisition design. The final contract is subject to board and government approvals.
Reservoir Exploration Technology ASA (RXT) is the marine geophysical company specializing in multi component seismic seafloor acquisition.
The Company has offices in Oslo, Norway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Houston, Texas.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 03.05.11 CGGVeritas announced a new joint venture with the Eidesvik Offshore.
CGGVeritas announced Monday a new joint venture with the Norwegian ship-owner Eidesvik Offshore to manage ten high-capacity 3D vessels in the CGGVeritas fleet, including the two new X-BOW vessels, Oceanic Vega and Oceanic Sirius. The joint venture, CGGVeritas Eidesvik Ship Management AS, will be based in Bergen and is 51 % owned by Eidesvik and 49 % owned by CGGVeritas.
The joint venture marks a step-change in the way CGGVeritas operates its high-end seismic vessels. It creates an integrated team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to ship management to fully support and develop the performance of the fleet. CGGVeritas and Eidesvik are both contributing resources and support to the joint venture.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said: "This new joint venture is a key step in our performance action plan. It builds a strong partnership that is focused on shared objectives around the operational excellence of our marine fleet and supports our plans to streamline the number of our maritime partners. I look forward to working closer with our long-term partner Eidesvik to further strengthen our business in the future."
CGGVeritas is a leading international pure-play geophysical company delivering a wide range of technologies, services and equipment through Sercel, to its broad base of customers mainly throughout the global oil and gas industry.
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 03.05.11 FairfieldNodal decared the successful employment of ZLand and Z700 cable-freeequipment on an Apache Corporation seismic test survey in the extremely challenging onshore and shallow-water region of Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Due to restrictive state and federal permits, the test took place on a condensed timeline from mid-March to early April of this year. Unpredictable ice and ground conditions in the area put additional demands on the operations.
Apache contracted NES to organize and test a variety of seismic recording and source systems to determine optimum equipment and acquisition parameters for potential future exploration over their lease holdings in the area.
FairfieldNodal contributed to the test by organizing and assembling its own true cable-free ZLand and Z700 recording systems, and installing a Z700 deployment/retrieval system on a local vessel. For the limited test, FairfieldNodal supplied 725 ZLand nodes and 200 Z700 nodes, plus support and operations personnel.
Operationally, FairfieldNodal components and support performed nearly flawlessly, a tribute to the team's efficient organization as well as the suitability of both ZLand and Z700 equipment for work in harsh environments; in this case, one of the world's most challenging regions for seismic operations.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 29.04.11 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for 3D seismic acquisition.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent for a 3D offshore seismic acquisition project for an undisclosed client.
The project, subject to the execution of a service contract, will commence in Q2 2011 and is expected to run for approximately 100 days.
As a result of this announcement the Company's backlog at date has increased to 23 vessel months in total.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 28.04.11 Effective gangway security is an important subject in todayТs unstable and security-conscious world.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published a new 8-minute DVD in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese to provide guidance for personnel performing gangway security duties.
"The procedures and regulations for gangway security are in the ISPS Code, but to be effective they need to be applied properly and consistently, the gangway security teamТs role in that process is crucial," says Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA.
"Our DVD is designed not as training, but to act as a reminder of the basics involved in controlling access to vessels from the quayside. DVDs and videos can be especially helpful as we often remember scenes more easily than pages from a document, or even instructions in team talks."
"Gangway Security" (IMCA SEL 027) covers the roles and responsibilities of gangway security personnel including: the control of people and equipment to and from the vessel; the searching of personnel and/or baggage; reporting of security incidents or breaches; assisting with the control of emergency situations; and observation of the quayside.
It acts as a reminder of the three security levels that could be in place and the gangway security membersТ role, making it clear that the Ship Security Officer will work with members of the gangway security team in all instances. It takes viewers through the role of gangway procedure when dealing with visitors, with drug and alcohol policy, on searching bags and people, and on the emergency plan.
"The DVD stresses that vigilance, judgement and communications skills are vital for this important job," adds Hugh Williams. IMCA would like to thank Technip and the crew of Wellservicer for agreeing to filming taking place on, and alongside, the vessel.
IMCA members have received a copy of the DVD and can order more at GBP10 per copy, it is also available to non-members at GBP20 Ц VAT is applicable on all DVDs. Copies can be ordered from www.imca-int.com/publications or publications@imca-int.com; or from IMCA at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 28.04.11 The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) will carry out acquisition of 2D seismic data in the waters around Jan Mayen this summer.
The acquisition activity will start around June 10 and will last up to three months.
Last fall, the Norwegian government resolved that an impact assessment would be made of the maritime zones off Jan Mayen, with a view to future petroleum activity. The NPD's acquisition of seismic data is part of this impact assessment. Seismic data acquisition around Jan Mayen is also planned for next summer.
The data acquisition will take place using the vessel R.V. Harrier Explorer operated by PGS, and with the aid of PGS' Geostreamer technology. This is a new technology for seismic acquisition, characterized in part by the fact that the streamer, which in this case is eight kilometres long, is towed somewhat deeper in the water than is the case in conventional seismic acquisition. This means that the streamer can withstand higher waves, thus making the acquisition activity less dependent on weather and consequently more efficient.
Source: NPD

ХХХ 27.04.11 BGP Challenger shoots for Circle Oil in Oman.
The BGP Challenger successfully performed a 2D seismic survey in eastern offshore of Oman for Circle Oil.
The work area is located in Block 52, and close to the water areas of Somalia and Yemen, the piracy-prone areas. To make sure the project to be operated smoothly, BGP made rigorous security measures and emergency plan, and employed several security personnel from IBS, an international security company.
The acquisition program proved to be extremely challenging. The work area is covered by intensive fishing boats and nets, and islands. Even more frustrating for the BGP Challenger, was the unpredictable position and movement of the boats and nets. The experienced international crew on board coped well and has subsequently achieved excellent productivity.
The client is very impressed with both the productivity and the quality of data acquired by BGP. The BGP Challenger has demonstrated BGP's position as a leading geophysical contractor in the oil and gas industry.
Source: BGP

ХХХ 25.04.11 China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) has successfully delivered 12-Streamer Seismic Vessel COSL 720 in Shanghai Shipyard Co. Ltd.
COSL 720 is the first large-scale domestic deep-water seismic vessel invested and constructed by COSL.
The vessel will be capable of towing 12 streamers each 8000m long to carry out seismic survey operation. The operational indicators have met the international standards with the capability to perform high-density seismic collection for 50-meter-distance streamer. The vessel can withstand the seismic pressure of 3000 PSI (regular collection: 2000 PSI), with the endurance of 75 days, designed speed of 16 knots and towing speed of 5 knots, which the speed improved by 30% from the Group's existing seismic vessels and will significantly reduce the mobilization and demobilization time and increase operation efficiency.
As the most advanced deep-water seismic survey vessel built in China so far, COSL 720 is designed to be a safe, highly efficient, environmental-friendly and energy-saving vessel with emphasis on its performance, collection capacity, the equipment stability, energy saving and emission reduction. COSL 720 is equipped with a new generation of seismic collection system, integrated navigation system and lateral control system. Meanwhile, the full set of remote operating system will increase operation efficiency and reduce labor intensity. The vessel is equipped with a complete diesel-electric propulsion system which is able to effectively reduce vessel fuel consumption, vibration and noise. The system also contributes to improve the quality of seismic collection and the comfort of working and living environment for the crew.
After delivery, COSL 720 will commence operation in South China Sea upon completing the collection test of geophysical equipment, the working volume of which is expected to reach 100% in 2011.
Source: COSL

ХХХ 22.04.11 Shtokman development dates signalled.
New information has emerged on the tendering process for the Barents Sea gas and condensate development with the chief executive of the development company saying that tenders for the onshore scope of the project will be opened next month.
During a press conference held at the headquarters of the Russian news agency Interfax, Shtokman Development AG (SDAG) chief executive Aleksei Zagorovsky told journalists that tenders for the onshore part of the project would be opened in May.
And he also confirmed that a final investment decision for the gas pipeline from the offshore field to shore and for the LNG plant will be made this December. Earlier reports had indicated that an FID was due this month.
"The competitive tender process will help to calculate the project costs that are to be considered in December over discussing the final investment decision", - Zagorovsky was quoted as saying, according to a report by a Russian media outlet, as he referred to the Shtokman principal decision and further project implementation.
Russian media is saying that Shtokman operator Gazprom is due to submit project cost estimates to partners Statoil and Total in September, and that during September and October financial consultants being used by the project partners will have to agree on the figures. Consultants will also have to consider a strategy for raising funds for the Shtokman project.
Zagorovsky is said to have indicated that the ratio between self-funding for the project by SDAG and external sources of finance could be 60-40% or up to 70-30%.
Separately Gazprom has signalled plans to produce up to 200 Bcm of gas and 10 million metric tons of oil by 2030 under a new hydrocarbon development programme for the Russian Continental Shelf which was approved by Gazprom directors earlier this week.
Those plans include Shtokman, and the Prirazlomnoye and Dolginskoye oil fields in the Pechora Sea.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 21.04.11 CGGVeritas purchased Petrodata Consulting LLC, a Moscow-based company offering static and dynamic reservoir modelling, reserve estimation and risking, and field development services to the international oil and gas industry.
The acquisition of Petrodata further strengthens the reservoir services of CGGVeritas, via Hampson-Russell Software & Services, offering seamless, fully integrated reservoir studies and field development planning.
Since the Petrodata team came together in 1997 its highly qualified staff has established a reputation of excellence in the Russian industry. Many on the team are qualified to act as official experts for GKZ and TsKR, the Russian reserves and production regulatory authorities. By capitalizing on their extensive experience and expertise, Petrodata developed a significant share of the domestic reservoir services market and have captured a growing share of projects for international oil and gas companies around the world.
Rob Mayer, Sr. VP, Hampson-Russell Software & Services, CGGVeritas, said: "We are very pleased by this acquisition which perfectly complements our existing high-end stochastic, petrophysical and 4D inversion technologies to better define the reservoir. We look forward to strengthening our Hampson-Russell Software & Services presence in the important Russian oil and gas market and leveraging the excellent reservoir engineering skill set of the Petrodata team across our worldwide network of CGGVeritas service centers to better meet the specific local needs of our clients."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 20.04.11 Elnusa and CGGVeritas commission seismic vessel for Asia Pacific activity.
PT Elnusa Tbk. in a joint venture with CGGVeritas commissioned a seismic vessel on Sunday, 17th April '11 at Raffles Marina, Singapore.
The companies have established a Joint Venture Company named PT Elnusa-CGGVeritas Seismic to operate the seismic vessel, which has been designed and outfitted to conduct marine seismic surveys in the Asia Pacific region, in particular Indonesia. Among the VIPs attending during the commissioning and christening of the vessel were His Excellency Ambassador of France to Singapore Olivier Caron, CEO of CGGVeritas Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of PT Elnusa Tbk. Suharyanto, representatives of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, Indonesia Executive Agency for Upstream Oil and Gas, PT Pertamina and PT Benakat Petroleum Energy Tbk.
"PT Elnusa Tbk. has been investing significantly in marine seismic survey services, in line with the increasing demand for offshore and deep sea oil and gas reserves exploration and exploitation," - says Suharyanto, CEO of PT Elnusa Tbk. "PT Elnusa Tbk. has estimated a revenue earning of USD 55 million between 2011-2012 from both Indonesian and Asia Pacific region marine seismic markets," - added Suharyanto.
The establishment of PT Elnusa-CGGVeritas Seismic to jointly operate the seismic vessel is one PT Elnusa Tbk.'s long-term strategies to focus on integrated upstream oil and gas services. PT Elnusa Tbk.'s strength in geoscience seismic marine is proven by its expertise and equipment availability that will be fully operational at the end of Q2 2011. "We are optimistic we will be able to dominate the Indonesian and Asia Pacific region marine seismic markets with our pioneering Indonesian-flagged seismic ship," - commented Suharyanto. "Our seismic ship is primarily local content of Indonesia. Indonesian oil and gas regulations Number 22 of 2011 give priority cabotage to Indonesian-flagged seismic vessel to conduct marine seismic survey within Indonesian territorial waters,"- added VP of Corporate Secretary PT Elnusa Tbk., Heru Samodra.
Besides the Indonesian market, PT Elnusa Tbk. is also aggressively trying to penetrate the Asia Pacific regional market in line with the increasing demand by Southeast Asian countries for exploration and exploitation on offshore and deep sea oil and gas reserves. This vessel will first operate in Vietnam territorial waters before proceeding to Indonesia.
The vessel's technical and maritime specifications were studied to make a versatile platform with high redundancy and was built in close collaboration between Swire Pacific Offshore (ship manager) and PT Elnusa-CGGVeritas Seismic for seismic purposes. The vessel is fitted with 2x diesel engines with Controlled Pitch Propulsion (CPP) allowing a smooth control of the speed during the seismic acquisition. The fuel capacity will allow keeping the vessel at sea for a period (4/5 weeks) without bunkering. Bunkering at sea can be performed. This vessel is ideally suited for acquisition of 2D/3D projects, utilizing streamer configurations of up 4 streamers (4 wide tow points) and allowing a variety of acquisition geometries. She is equipped with 2 streamers winches of 12 500 m Sentinel capacity each and four tow points and can be equipped with 6 gun arrays for larger source volume.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 20.04.11 Antrim Begins Pre-Drilling Site Surveys in North Sea.
Antrim Energy has contracted the survey vessel Kommander Jack to obtain site surveys in preparation for the 2011 UK North Sea drilling program.
Surveys will be obtained over the West Teal, Carra and Erne prospects, located in the Greater Fyne Area in Blocks 21/24b, 21/28b and 21/29d.
According to Antrim, the West Teal and Carra surveys are expected to confirm the surface drilling locations for two wells targeting the Jurassic Fulmar and Eocene Tay formations, respectively. The Erne survey was added to the exploration program to identify a surface location for a contingent well on that feature, an oil prospect in the Eocene Tay formation.
The site surveys should be completed in May in preparation for the exploratory drilling program scheduled to start mid-year 2011. The three prospects are wholly owned and operated by Antrim Energy.
Source: Antrim Energy

ХХХ 20.04.11 Statoil has awarded Bristow Norway a new contract for offshore helicopter services running from Stavanger Airport, Norway. The estimated value of the contract is over NOK 1 billion.
All installations with helicopter flights from Stavanger will be served under this contract. Statoil's helicopter flights from Stavanger go to the Sleipner, Draupner, Volve and Glitne fields in the North Sea.
The contract covers the use of two dedicated Sikorsky S92 helicopters.
Bristow currently holds the contract for these flights, using the same type of helicopter.
Both helicopters will be upgraded to the latest standard prior to the commencement of the new contract.
"Statoil has undertaken a large-scale upgrade of our helicopter park in recent years, using the latest proven technological solutions. Well suited for offshore flights this type of helicopter will bring our employees offshore in a safe and secure manner," said Jannicke Hilland, senior vice president of joint operations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) in Statoil.
The contract duration is for five years, coupled with the possibility of three one-year options. Planned start-up is in March 2013.
"There is increasing competition within helicopter service, which we look upon as a very positive development. This deal is based on competition and secures helicopter capacity for Statoil for many years to come," said Gunn Vik, who heads up procurement for operations and maintenance in Statoil.
Statoil has contracts in effect with both Bristow Norway and CHC Norway for helicopter services on the NCS. Helicopter types S92 and Eurocopter EC225 are used for such flights from a total of six helicopter bases located on the Norwegian coast Ц from Hammerfest in the north to Stavanger in the south.
Source: Statoil

ХХХ 19.04.11 Argos Resources is hoping to join the Falklands oil drilling campaign later this year, now that it has completed its key seismic exploration programme alongside Rockhopper Petroleum.
The company is exploring a highly prospective area (the PL001 licence) adjacent to RockhopperТs Sea Lion oil discovery, which was effectively deemed to be commercial last month.
Argos confirmed that it has now completed the 3D seismic data acquisition over the entire PL001 licence area.
Crucially it told investors that a high priority area has been 'carved out' and the data processing is being fast-tracked so that it will be ready for interpretation and prospect mapping by July.
Consequently it plans to be 'drill ready' in this area by late 2011, or early 2012, so that it can use the Ocean Guardian drilling rig which is currently operating in the area Ц for both Rockhopper and Desire Petroleum.
"We are delivering on the 3D seismic acquisition plans announced on 30 December 2010, and are pleased with the progress being made," - chairman Ian Thomson said.
"Processing of the new 3D data has commenced and early indications are that this is the best quality 3D data that has been acquired in the basin to date. We are therefore encouraged that we will have excellent data for prospect mapping which we expect to undertake from July".
Argos and Rockhopper jointly contracted the MV Polarcus Asima vessel in October 2010, for the substantial 3D seismic programme, which spanned both firmТs acreage. Rockhopper and Desire also contracted another Polarcus vessels for a separate programme.
In all Argos acquired a total of 1,415 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, which includes coverage over the entire licence area, a halo outside the licence boundaries and tie-ins to key wells.
Additionally it said it is also using the opportunity to acquire additional 3D seismic data in open acreage to the north of the licence to identify additional prospectivity in the northerly continuation of the Basin.
Source: Argos Resources

ХХХ 19.04.11 Fugro awarded EUR 3.1 million hydrographic survey contract by the Finnish and Swedish Hydrographic Offices.
Fugro has been awarded a EUR 3.1 million hydrographic survey contract by the Finnish and Swedish Hydrographic Offices for a 13,000 km2 area taking in shipping routes between Sweden and Finland, in the Gulf of Bothnia, Baltic Sea.
The areas to be surveyed in the summer of 2011 are within the Swedish and Finnish EEZ, but outside of each countryТs territorial waters. Results from the survey will be for updating nautical charts and associated navigational information, e.g. HELCOM routes.
Water depths in the project area range from less than 10m to deeper than 130m. Fugro will use two vessels, both fitted with multi beam echosounders of highest resolution. Survey operations are expected to begin as soon as ice-conditions allow, with an expected completion of acquisition in October 2011.
The project consists of separate contracts with both, the Finnish Transport AgencyТs (FTA), and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) organisations.
Source: Fugro

ХХХ 19.04.11 WHL Energy to acquire further Seychelles 2D seismic.
WHL Energy has elected to commission a further 887km of 2D seismic acquisition over the Creole lead in Area 3 of its large Seychelles holdings based on the positive results following the initial seismic data review and an Independent Expert Report from Isis Petroleum Consultants Pty Ltd. The data shoot will commence immediately.
Isis' studies have confirmed the potential of 12 leads across 4 different plays in WHL Energy's Seychelles exploration holdings and estimated that these leads have the potential to contain unrisked mean oil in place of between 166 million barrels and 5.44 billion barrels per lead.
WHL Energy Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Rowbottam, commented: "The acquisition of infill seismic data will remove remaining uncertainties related to the leads that have been identified to date and further assist us in identifying suitable drilling targets."
"By taking advantage of the seismic vessel in the area, WHL's Seychelles exploration program is accelerated and the necessary infill seismic data is acquired cost effectively."
"This is another important step in our plans to farm-down interests in our Seychelles project and will remove the requirement for additional seismic acquisition prior to farm-down of the acreage."
Source: WHL Energy Limited

ХХХ 18.04.11 HRT reports 3D seismic acquisition in Orange Basin, Namibia.
HRT Participacoes em Petroleo S.A. (HRT), has commenced acquisition on the 1,232 km2 3D seismic program over HRT's operated offshore block 2813A in Orange Basin. This survey is being conducted by the Polarcus Samur vessel concurrently with UNX's 1,428 km2 program over their operated offshore and adjacent blocks 2713A and 2713B. With the strategic alliance between HRT and UNX, the combined programs will represent an additional 2,660 km2 of 3D seismic to be acquired by a second vessel this shooting season in the South Atlantic.
This relevant 3D seismic acquisition allows us an in-depth view of rift and drift sequences, which is critical to advance exploration and leads to the drilling stage. This program considerably advances and exceeds our minimum work program commitment to acquire 500 km2 of 3D seismic prior to May 2014 in this block where HRT has a 40% exploratory interest.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 18.04.11 Shell Expects to Drill in Alaska's Arctic in 2012.
Shell expects to start drilling in Alaska's Arctic waters in the summer of next year and have in place an oil-containment system specifically designed for the area ready at the same time, the head of the company's U.S. operations said Friday.
"Our aspiration is to drill in the 2012 season," Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Co., the U.S. unit of the Anglo-Dutch giant, told Dow Jones Newswires in a interview. "We are hopeful, but also cautions."
Shell still has to obtain a number of permits from the federal government in order to go ahead with its $3.5 billion investment to drill in the state's Beaufort and Chukchi seas.
Shell's plans have been delayed by environmental lawsuits and permit issues on top of calls for better spill prevention and containment capabilities following BP's oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico last year.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 15.04.11 Major international oil company joins EMGS JIP.
Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has announced that an as yet unspecified major international oil company has joined EMGS and Shell in a joint industry project (JIP) to plan and design the next-generation 3D EM system.
"We are delighted that yet another customer with extensive EM experience has joined the JIP," said Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer.
"Both Shell and the new partner are early adopters of EM technology, and we value input from two companies with such wide-ranging experience in the use of integrated EM data."
The ongoing feasibility study includes laboratory tests, design solutions, specifications and a project plan for the development of the next generation of source, receivers and positioning system.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 14.04.11 Gardline mobilises new survey vessel.
Ivero, the latest edition to the Gardline vessel fleet, has recently been mobilised in Lowestoft, ready to commence a geophysical survey for a windfarm development, offshore Germany.
This follows on from a significant benthic sampling campaign over a large windfarm development site, offshore of East Anglia.
The vessel has been extensively upgraded to perform a variety of marine survey tasks, including geophysics, benthic sampling, shallow geotechnics, UXO and post construction monitoring and cable burial surveys.
Although only 34m in length and 3m draft, Ivero, uniquely for this class of vessel, features accommodation for up to 16 client personnel, purpose built 25m2 survey laboratory, large after-working deck and 20T SWL A-frame.
Twin screw and bow thruster offers a high degree of manoeuvrability for sampling operations combined with low fuel consumption.
A high resolution survey sensor suite has been installed including hull mounted shallow water Kongsberg multi-beam bathymetry, DGPS and acoustic positioning, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, survey and sampling winches.
Latest additions include multiple magnetometer deployment for more efficient UXO survey, full integrated seismic geophysical capability, and modular system for rapid reconfiguration between survey tasks.
With typical endurance of 21 days and 24 hour capability to operate from 5m to 150m water-depths, Ivero offers a flexible and cost effective solution for a wide range of survey activities.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 14.04.11 OMV hits major gas discovery in Australia.
OMV has discovered gas on the North West Shelf of Australia in the Zola-1 exploration well. This represents one of the largest gas discoveries by the company.
Zola-1 is located in the WA-290-P exploration permit and is around 100 km from the Western Australian coast. The discovery well Zola-1 and the subsequently drilled sidetrack appraisal well Zola-1/ST-1 have confirmed the existence of sandstone layers with 130 m of net gas pay in an area south of the giant Gorgon gas field.
New 3D seismic data will be acquired to further assess the potential of the discovery.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 14.04.11 Fugro Says Hello to New Chief Geophysicist.
Fugro Multi Client Services has named Tim Addington Chief Geophysicist, Sverre Berstad, Exploration Manager for East Africa, Middle East and Russia announced.
Addington will provide geophysical support for the Americas, including seismic data processing and quality control for Fugro Multi-Client Services in both North and South America.
Addington is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Geophysical Society of Houston, and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers. He is an honors graduate of The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. He also completed master's work in materials engineering at the Cranfield Institute of Technology.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 13.04.11 Polarcus Arctic operating procedures qualified by DNV.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Statement of Qualification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) to qualify Polarcus' Arctic operating procedures according to industry best practice and relevant standards. The Statement of Qualification was presented to Polarcus at the 7th Annual Arctic Shipping Summit in Helsinki, Finland.
The Arctic poses demanding challenges to marine seismic operations.
Environmental conditions stress the ship, equipment and crew, limit the window for seismic operations, and pose dangers to in-water seismic equipment. To mitigate these risks in order to safeguard life, property and the environment, Polarcus, with assistance from DNV, has developed a wide-ranging set of Arctic-specific operating procedures.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 12.04.11 SeaBird Exploration PLC - vessel utilization 1st Quarter.
Vessel utilization is defined as the percentage of the full quarter where the vessel is in paid work either in the form of acquisition, mobilization, demobilization, steaming, standby or other.
The vessel utilization for all vessels operated by SeaBird for Q1 2011 was 49% (Q4 2010: 51%).
Following the completion of the Ocean Bottom Node ("OBN") contract for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co with Hugin Explorer and Munin Explorer as source vessel end of November 2010, both vessels were in standby mode in Ghana until 23 February 2011, when the vessels were mobilized for the Rosebank Survey west of Shetland for Chevron North Sea Limited as operator, due to start 13 April 2011. Both vessels have carried out classification and dry-docking at a yard in Denmark during this mobilisation period. The utilization for the two vessels in Q1 2011 was 23% (as paid mobilization), compared to 61% in Q4.
SeaBird has been confirmed in 1st place for an OBN tender whereby an award is expected shortly which will most likely give a continued program following completion of the Rosebank survey. Management is also actively pursuing further work, and see an increase in work opportunities coming up for various OBN surveys through 2011 and into 2012, based on tender invitations and budgetary requests received.
Utilization for the 2D/3D vessels in Q1 2011 was 57% (Q4 2010:49%). The utilization has improved considerably during the first quarter from only three vessels on contract in the beginning of the year to all 2D vessels (except Geo Mariner) being on contract and generating revenue by the end of Q1 2011.
Aquila Explorer has had 84% utilization in Q1, and is employed to mid April, with several tenders being pursued. Harrier Explorer has achieved 99% utilization, Northern Explorer 87%, Osprey Explorer 60%, Hawk Explorer 15%, and Geo Mariner 0% during Q1 due to strategic positioning from Africa to Far East, but is scheduled to start working mid April 2011. Updated contract award details for our 2D/3D fleet were informed in press releases dated 4 February and 6 April 2011.
SeaBird has excluded Kondor Explorer (pure source vessel) from the statistics above due to its long lasting lay-up status from August 2010. This vessel is still under SeaBird control but at an insignificant cost to SeaBird and a high probability of the vessel being handed back to its owners in January 2012.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 11.04.11 TGS Acquires Stingray Geophysical Ltd. to Establish Strong Position in the Permanent Reservoir Monitoring Market.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Stingray Geophysical Limited (Stingray). The transaction will provide TGS with a strong position in the rapidly growing market for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) solutions.
The acquisition will substantially increase TGS' addressable market through access to production seismic spending from large international oil companies as well as national oil companies (NOCs), while maintaining its successful asset light model.
Stingray was founded in March 2006 and is located in Guildford, United Kingdom.
The company possesses unique and patented fiber-optic sensing technology for seismic PRM and other oil and gas applications.
The core technology for Stingray's fiber-optic sensing system was originally developed in the mid-nineteen eighties, for anti-submarine defense applications.
Since Stingray's incorporation in 2006, Stingray has been backed by a consortium led by the venture-capitalist firms Energy Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, Energy Capital Management/Statoil Venture and Cody Gate Ventures. Including the defense investment, more than USD 80 million has been invested in the technology to date.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 08.04.11 First 2D Contract Award for Dolphin Geophysical.
Dolphin Geophysical has signed a contract with IONТs GX Technology group (GXT) for a three month 2D seismic acquisition survey offshore West Africa. The project will be acquired by Polar Explorer, the CompanyТs first 2D vessel, with acquisition commencing in April 2011. The contract includes a mobilization fee to West Africa.
Ken Williamson, Sr. VP of IONТs Integrated Seismic Solutions group stated: "The vessel comes fully equipped with IONТs suite of integrated navigation and seismic acquisition equipment including OrcaTM and DigiStreamerTM, ensuring the success of the program. The completion of this survey will add up to 7500 km of new seismic data to our BasinSPANTM program in West Africa, further exploring the insights gained in Phase 1".
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 08.04.11 TGS Signs Second Letter of Intent for 3D Vessel.
TGS announces that it has signed a Letter of Intent with Dolphin Geophysical AS to charter the M/V Polar Duke for 3D multi-client projects in Europe during the 2011 summer season.
The charter will begin in May 2011 and will last for a minimum of 3 months. The agreement also provides an option for TGS to extend the charter in two increments (2 + 6 months) under fixed commercial terms.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 07.04.11 SeaBird - 2D and 3D shallow water contracts awarded.
SeaBird Exploration has secured new contracts for its seismic survey vessels offshore Africa and elsewhere together worth up to US $9 million.
Hawk Explorer has been signed up for a new short-term survey from the end of May to early June, continuing on from its current commitment in West Africa.
And Northern Explorer has been committed to a new survey offshore East Africa which is due to complete mid May, and in addition has been committed to a further contract offshore South Africa which will keep the vessel there until the middle or end of July, the contractor has indicated.
Also GeoMariner is moving to South-East Asia later this month for a 2D survey contract which carries a further one month option, and another option for a second survey which could keep the vessel in the region until mid-July.
Together the new deals are worth between US $7 and $9 million, the company stated, adding: "With these awards and the general improvement in the tender activity SeaBird believes that the 2D activity will increase going forward resulting in a much improved utilization for our 2D fleet compared to 2nd half of 2010."
However SeaBird said vessel rates are still low but at profitable EBITDA levels.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 07.04.11 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent, offshore UK.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent for a 550 square kilometer 3D seismic acquisition project West of Shetlands, offshore United Kingdom. The project, subject to the execution of a service contract, will commence in August 2011 and is expected to run for approximately 40 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 06.04.11 SeaBird - Agreement for 3 weeks earlier start of OBN survey on Rosebank.
SeaBird Exploration PLC has announced that an agreement has been reached with Chevron North Sea Limited (on behalf of itself and the other Rosebank co-venturers) relating to the award of the Rosebank 2 survey.
SeaBird has been granted the option to start the second stage of the Ocean Bottom Node survey at the Rosebank field earlier than the initial agreed start date.
Hugin Explorer has completed classification work at a yard in Denmark, and is mobilizing to the Rosebank Field.
Estimated start-up is 13-15 April, which is about three weeks ahead of the earlier agreed start date of around 5 May 2011. This will potentially improve SeaBird's revenue in the second quarter of 2011.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 05.04.11 EMGS to mobilise third crew.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has entered into an agreement with North Sea Shipping to charter the vessel Atlantic Guardian for six months from 25 April 2011, with optional extensions of up to six months. EMGS will equip the Atlantic Guardian with its custom-designed acquisition set, which will give the vessel the ability to acquire the same high-quality 3D EM data as is obtained using the company's two purpose-built 3D EM vessels.
EMGS has secured nearly 5 months backlog, at an estimated value of USD 20 million, for its third vessel. The company is currently pursuing further opportunities, which it is confident will result in full contract coverage for the firm charter period. The Atlantic Guardian will start its campaign in the North Sea in early May before heading to the Americas to perform additional projects.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented, "It is exciting to see that recent technology innovations have expanded the application of 3D EM beyond traditional de-risking of drilling decisions and into areas like frontier scanning, shallow water applications, delineation and appraisal, as well as imaging of high resistive geological layers such as salt and basalt. We see these trends as a strong indication of increased industry adoption of our EM technology worldwide. The decision to mobilise a third crew is made in response to these developments and to the growing demand we are witnessing for our services. We look forward to building on the momentum we have gained and to further develop the Marine EM market."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 04.04.11 Bahamas Petroleum Contracts CGGVeritas for Seismic Services.
Bahamas Petroleum has signed a Letter of Award with CGGVeritas to carry out a minimum of 1500 km2 3D seismic survey across its Southern license area. The details of the contract are to be finalized in April 2011 with commencement of operations in May 2011. Bahamas Petroleum Company will engage the ship Veritas Viking to acquire the seismic 3D survey. The Veritas Viking will use ten seismic streamers incorporating CGGVeritas' new BroadSeis technology for the first time in the Americas.
Paul Crevello, Chief Executive of Bahamas Petroleum Company, said, "I am very pleased to announce the award of this 3D seismic contract to CGGVeritas. CGGVeritas is one of the world's most proficient seismic survey providers and its BroadSeis technology is regarded as being one of the most advanced systems. We are looking forward to commencing operations in May 2011. Fast track interpretation of the data will follow with results to be announced thereafter. The Government of the Bahamas are fully supportive of this program and we are working closely with them to put regulations and protocols in place for further exploration."
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 04.04.11 Statoil, along with partners Eni Norway and Petoro, has made a significant oil discovery on the Skrugard prospect in the Barents Sea.
The breakthrough discovery is one of the most important finds on the Norwegian continental shelf in the last decade.
Statoil and its partners are in the process of concluding drilling operations on the Skrugard prospect, which is located approximately 100 kilometres north of the Snohvit gas field in the Barents Sea.
The well was drilled with the Polar Pioneer rig, and has proven gas column of 33 metres and an oil column of 90 metres. The oil is anticipated to be easily producible.
The estimated volume of the discovery is between 150Ц250 million recoverable barrels of oil equivalent (boe), while Statoil sees opportunities for further upside in the license of up to 250 million barrels Ц for a potential total of 500 million boe.
"The Skrugard find is significant and a break-through for frontier exploration in the Barents Sea. This opens a new oil province that can provide additional resource growth," - says Tim Dodson, executive vice president for Exploration in Statoil.
He emphasises that it is too early to say something concrete about the total potential of the area, but ventures to characterise the Skrugard find as the most important exploration event on the Norwegian continental shelf in the last decade. The discovery is vital in order to maintain the technology and technical environments in the oil and gas industry in Norway in the future.
"The Barents Sea is large, and we can not say that we have cracked the code for the entire area yet. But we have confirmed that our exploration model is correct. This is a break-through, and an important step in understanding how the geology Ц and thus the hydrocarbon systems in the Barents Sea Ц works," - says Dodson.
"If the volume estimates are confirmed, then this discovery could provide a basis for an independent development. Given that it takes between five to 10 years from discovery to production, we are planning for the future now. Our ambition is to put this find into production as quickly as possible, - he adds.
Statoil is the operator of license 532 with a 50% share. The license partners are Eni (30%) and Petoro (20%).
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 01.04.11 TGS commences extensive 2D reprocessing project in Northern Makassar Strait, Indonesia.
TGS has commenced an extensive multi-phase reprocessing program of 2D seismic data located in the Makassar Strait, Indonesia. The first phase consists of 2,700 km of seismic data in the Northern Mahakam Delta.
The original and reprocessed data support the exploration potential of the deepwater area of the Mahakam Delta. Interpretation of the seismic data since 2001 has demonstrated potential hydrocarbon prospectivity in the basin, resulting in the award of exploration acreage and the drilling of several exploration wells. Partial relinquishments of the exploration blocks have also recently created opportunities for new exploration in the area.
The data will be reprocessed with customized techniques to enhance imaging of the main structures and reservoir targets in the basin. The reprocessed data is intended to enhance definition of Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs) and Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) anomalies associated with turbidite reservoirs seen on the original 2D seismic data.
Data from this initial phase of reprocessing will be available for clients in Q3 2011. This project is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 31.03.11 Alexey Miller and Helge Lund highlight importance of timely delivery of Shtokman project.
The Gazprom headquarters hosted a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company's Management Committee and Helge Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer of Statoil. The parties discussed the situation in the European energy market and shared an opinion that sustained gas supplies by traditional exporters Ц Russia and Norway Ц were assuming paramount importance in the present context. On its part, Gazprom makes every effort to provide Europe with reliable gas supplies: the offshore Nord Stream gas pipeline is under construction and the South Stream project is being actively implemented.
Timely delivery of the Shtokman project being jointly executed by Gazprom, Statoil and Total becomes of prime importance as well.
Together with French Total, Statoil partners Gazprom in the Shtokman project implementation.
In February 2008 Gazprom, Total and Statoil (StatoilHydro then) signed the Shareholder Agreement on establishing Shtokman Development AG, a special-purpose company to engineer, design, construct, finance and operate Phase 1 facilities intended for the Shtokman field development.
Shtokman Development AG will own Shtokman Phase 1 infrastructure for 25 years, starting from the date on which the field is brought onstream.
Source: Geonews

ХХХ 30.03.11 Lansdowne to commence seismic survey offshore Ireland.
Lansdowne and Polarcus Limited have signed an agreement to acquire 3D seismic surveys over the Rosscarbery, Amergin and Midleton prospects in the North Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland.
The survey will cover an area of about 74,132 acres (300 square kilometers). Commencement of the survey is expected in early July and will follow on from the 3D seismic survey acquired by Polarcus over the Barryroe oil field in which Lansdowne has a 20% interest. Rosscarbery is located in License 5/07; Amergin is located in License 5/08; and Midleton lies in License 4/07.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 30.03.11 GC Rieber Shipping's Polarbjorn chartered by UK MoD.
GC Rieber Shipping has entered into a three-year charter agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence for the vessel Polarbjorn.
The contract commences in mid-April 2011 and expires in March 2014. The contract will, in combination with a recently announced charter agreement for the CSV Polar King, generate an annual EBITDA of about NKr 125 million.
Polarbjorn is purpose-built for undertaking both long duration Antarctic expeditions and offshore subsea support duties. With her large public areas, accommodation capacity, helicopter deck and DP2 class, the vessel is well suited for undertaking base ship functions on offshore fields and other operations.
The vessel's large deck areas and cargo holds offer significant storage capacity for ROVs and related equipment. The vessel's 50 tonne knuckleboom crane and A frame offer efficient solutions for handling equipment over the side and over the stern.
has been operating in the spot market for the past 2-3 years.
Source: GC Rieber

ХХХ 30.03.11 TGS announces that it will conduct extensive reprocessing of over 13,550 km of 2D multi-client seismic data located in waters off the Faroe Islands.
This project, designated Offshore Faroe Reprocessing 2011, will extend to the UK/ Faroe border.
The data for the reprocessing has been made available by Faroese Earth and Energy Directorate (Jardfeingi). TGS will apply advanced processing techniques proven to have been successful in illuminating sub-basalt plays in the West of Shetland region over the last two years.
Data from the project will be available for clients in Q3 2011. This project is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 28.03.11 ST Marine delivers first seismic vessel.
ST Marine has successfully delivered its first seismic vessel, to Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd (Swire), a wholly owned subsidiary of Swire Pacific Limited.
In December 2008, ST Marine announced the S$30 million contract to provide detailed design and to construct the 68m vessel for Swire.
Work commenced in 2009. The contract from Swire was awarded on the back of a charter which Swire secured with a major player in the seismic market.
Swire provided the basic design and major equipment, including the seismic survey equipment for the vessel.
Pacific Finder carries the ABS Class Notation +A1, +AMS, ACCU, E and Ice D0. The vessel also complies with the latest IMO MSC.266 (84) Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008. Pacific Finder a four-streamer vessel, is to be deployed to carry out seismic survey in shallow waters for oil and gas clients in the Asia Pacific region.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 28.03.11 Russian-Norwegian maritime border agreement ratified.
On Friday Mar 25, 2011 the Russian Parliament ratified the Russian-Norwegian agreement on the maritime border and cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. The Norwegian parliament ratified the treaty in February.
The two countries suspended the agreement for almost 40 years.
The agreement stipulates the division of a vast water space with an area of 175,000 sq.km, rich in fish and containing oil and gas in the seabed.
The settlement of the dispute opens good prospects for the two countries in the spheres of the exploration of Arctic treasures, including the oil and gas fields of the continental shelf.
Source: Geonews

ХХХ 25.03.11 Polarcus launches first 3D multi-client project.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company will commence acquisition in Q2 2011 of its first 3D multi-client project, in Quad 28 of the UK Continental Shelf.
The survey, with the potential to cover an area of up to 2,000 square kilometers, is supported through industry pre-funding. The data will be acquired by the vessel POLARCUS NADIA with acquisition expected to take from 70 to 100 days depending on final program size. Data processing will be undertaken by GX Technology, the imaging solutions group of ION Geophysical. To enable companies to use the data for their UK 27th Round block evaluations a preliminary dataset will be available within one month from the end of acquisition, with delivery of the final migrated data volume expected to take place within December 2011.
"Polarcus is especially excited to announce this survey, our first ever 3D multi-client project", commented Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus. "Our investment in strategic partnerships with experienced and highly regarded industry professionals in this field is enabling us to develop a strong portfolio of robust multi-client project opportunities worldwide. This first project targets an area receiving significant attention as a result of the recent oil discoveries announced subsequent to the UK 26th Round. We anticipate this area will attract considerable industry focus in the next UK licensing round, with the Polarcus survey being the reference data for company evaluations."
The survey, designed in conjunction with GeoPartners Limited, covers the Western Platform of the Central Graben and includes the Catcher discoveries (28/9-1 СCatcher', 28/9-2 СVaradero' and 28/9-4 СBurgman'). These discoveries, drilled in 2010 and 2011, encountered excellent quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstones with light oil (26 to 31 degree API) in thick, high porosity sandstones of both the Eocene Tay and Paleocene Cromarty intervals at depths ranging between 3,500ft and 4,600ft. The new high trace density 3D seismic will provide a significantly improved interpretation of these shallow sand bodies where amplitudes and direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHI's) are critical.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 24.03.11 Gazprom is due to take a final investment decision on the first phase of the Shtokman development at a board of directors meeting next month, according to the Russian news agency Itar Tass.
That is what Gazprom deputy chief executive Alexander Medvedev has been quoted as saying during a briefing with journalists, saying: 'In April we will decide how we will continue to work."
Shtokman Development AG's board of directors, which comprises Gazprom, Statoil and Total representatives are due to take the decision.
Along with projects partners Statoil and Total, Gazprom needs to take a decision on the offshore pipeline aspect of the project in April, or it will be forced to postpone the decision until the end of the year, Russia's Prime Tass news agency reported.
This is could conceivably be because of the narrow operating window for offshore operations at the field location during the summer months in the Barents Sea.
Earlier in February this year in London, Medvedev told journalists at an energy conference then that a "a positive investment decision" would be taken for both the main gas export line and the LNG part of the Shtokman development this year.
Reuters quoted Medvedev then saying: "I can't even imagine in the most scary dream that Shtokman will be built without LNG."
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 23.03.11 Polarcus takes delivery of Polarcus Alima 22 March 2011.
Polarcus Limited announced that Polarcus Alima AS, a member of the Polarcus Group, took delivery on 21 March 2011 of Polarcus Alima, the fifth 3D seismic vessel to date to join the Polarcus fleet.
Polarcus Alima is the sister ship to Polarcus Azima, delivered to the Polarcus Group in August 2010. The vessel was built at Drydocks World - Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and following a short shakedown will transit to India to commence her first contract.
Polarcus Alima is an ultra-modern and Arctic-ready 12 streamer 3D seismic vessel of the ULSTEIN SX134 design, with an overall length of 92m and a beam of 21m.
Polarcus Alima is also one of the most environmentally responsible seismic vessels in the industry, with diesel-electric propulsion, high specification catalytic convertors, a double hull, and advanced ballast water treatment / bilge water cleaning systems. The vessel carries the stringent DNV CLEAN-DESIGN class notation.
Polarcus Alima has a maximum speed of 15 knots and is capable of deploying 12 streamers of 9,000m length at 100m separation.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 23.03.11 Providence Contracts Polarcus for Seismic Acquisition in Porcupine Basin.
Providence Resources and Polarcus have signed an agreement for the acquisition of 3D data in the Porcupine Basin, offshore Ireland.
The 49,421 acre (200 square kilometer) survey is planned to commence in 3Q11 and should run for 15 days.
Providence operates Frontier Exploration License (FEL) 4/08 (32%) on behalf of its partners Chrysaor E&P Ireland Limited (60%) and Sosina Exploration Limited (8%).
Source: Providence Resources plc

ХХХ 22.03.11 Seismic surveying has started offshore Albania by PGS on a licence block where a previous discovery was made.
San Leon Energy and Beach Energy have contracted PGS to carry out the survey with the MV Ramform Vanguard targeting several structures in the Durresi block in the Adriatic Sea including the A4-1X discovery, which will be used to help plan a 2012 appraisal drilling programme.
After being discovered in 1993, the A4-1X gas and condensate find, 30 kilometres (18.75) miles off the southern coast of Albania, was estimated to contain around 38 m bbls of API condensate and 150 Bcf of gas.
The same area overlies the Apulian Margin, extending from Italy to southern Albania, and which contains one of the largest onshore oil accumulations in Europe the Patos Marinza field, which is thought to contain up to 5.7 Bn bbl of oil originally in place, San Leon has indicated.
Oisin Fanning, San Leon's chairman noted that the PGS vessel has been mobilised for the offshore survey after approval for the Durresi block was granted only last month.
"Albania is generating a lot of international interest at this time and we are excited by the potential we see in our acreage," he added. "Our 3D seismic programme is the largest ever carried out in Albania and we are confident that we are on track to drill an A4-1X field appraisal well in 2012."
San Leon has 75% in the block and Beach holds the remaining 25% equity. PGS is supplying seismic survey services under a US $50 million deal agreed with San Leon last September.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 22.03.11 Marlink secures contract renewal with Fugro-Geoteam.
Marlink has recently extended its contract with seismic vessel operator Fugro-Geoteam for a further five years.
As part of the latest agreement, Marlink will supply its innovative Sealink(TM) VSAT service to the seismic vessels via Marlink's Eik teleport in Norway, providing 512 Kbps of bandwidth and 10-15 telephone lines for each vessel.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 21.03.11 TGS Expands Multi-client 3D Seismic Library Offshore Indonesia.
TGS announces a second multi-client 3D seismic survey in the Tarakan Basin, offshore Northern Indonesia. The survey will add over 1,820 km2 of new 3D data to the previous survey announced in December 2010. The TBB11 survey will increase coverage in this area to nearly 3,500 km2.
The data is being acquired by the Fugro M/V Seisquest, with acquisition expected to complete in Q2 2011.
The TBB11 survey will be acquired over the southern part of the offshore Tarakan sub-basin, in an underexplored and poor data region. The area forms part of the extensive Tertiary age play fairway covered by the earlier TBN10 multi-client 3D seismic survey to the north. The new data will assist in improving the understanding of the complex structural and stratigraphic setting of this important oil and gas province and particularly in prospect delineation and well planning.
The TBB11 multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding and also supports the Indonesia government's overall objective to attract exploration and raise production levels.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 21.03.11 Dolphin has signed final time charter agreements with GC Rieber Shipping and Armada Seismic.
Reference is made to the stock exchange notice on 13 December where Dolphin Interconnect Solutions ASA ("Dolphin") announced a successful completion of an equity issue through to Norwegian and foreign institutional investors in a private placement (the "Private Placement") of new shares. The completion of the Private Placement was conditional up on approval of the Private Placement at an extraordinary general meeting to be held on 20 December, and that Dolphin enters into final and binding charter party agreements with GC Rieber Shipping and Armada Seismic regarding the lease of the seismic vessels Polar Explorer, Polar Duke and NB533. Dolphin has now signed final and binding agreements with the companies (GC Rieber Shipping and Armada Seismic) and the completion of the Private Placement is only conditional upon the shareholders' approval at the extraordinary general meeting.
There are no changes in the commercial terms and conditions compared to the letter of intent that was signed on 27 November.
Dolphin Geophysical, based in Bergen Norway, has been formed by a team of senior managers, well known and experienced in the marine seismic industry. Backed by a first class marine supplier, track record and industrial investors, Dolphin Geophysical will build one of the leading and most cost effective marine seismic companies prepared for the next decade of Oil and Gas exploration.
Source: Dolphin Geophysical

ХХХ 18.03.11 Kongsberg's unique eBirdо seismic streamer control system wins award for design excellence.
Kongsberg Seatex, Kongsberg Maritime's specialist in position reference systems, and attitude determination systems is honoured after the news that its unique seismic streamer control system, eBird has won a prestigious Award for Design Excellence during the Norwegian Design Council's (NDC) Design Day, which took place in Oslo on Wednesday 16th March 2011.
Kongsberg Seatex was presented with an Award for Design Excellence in the Industrial Design category for the unique eBird system. The Award for Design Excellence is a leading awards scheme for design in Norway and is given to both manufacturers and designers that have co-operated on the development of new products.
In addition to receiving the Award in the Industrial Design category, Kongsberg Seatex was also one of the four nominees for this year's Honours Award for Design Excellence.
"Our in-house designers and engineers worked with a team from Inventas in Trondheim to develop eBird in response to requests from the industry for enhanced seismic streamer control. They succeeded in this goal and to be recognised by the industry through the system's growing acceptance. The Norwegian Design Council Award for industrial design excellence is a strong acknowledgement and a great inspiration for future innovation and development endeavours," comments Gard Ueland, President, Kongsberg Seatex.
Kongsberg's eBird is a novel bird concept for lateral, vertical and roll streamer control in marine seismic acquisition that enables fault tolerant and efficient multi streamer steering by employing a wide range of innovative and patented technological solutions.
Source: Kongsberg Maritime

ХХХ 17.03.11 Apache: Seismic Acquisition Completed Offshore AU.
Apache Northwest has advised that the Gazelle 3D seismic acquisition program covering the entire WA-399-P exploration permit was completed.
The survey was carried out by Fugro M/V Geo Atlantic.
The seismic data will be processed and interpreted before the Joint Venture determines the form of any future exploration program.
The WA-399-P exploration permit is situated offshore Western Australia within the Carnarvon Basin. The Joint Venture partners include: Apache Northwest Pty Limited (operator, 60%), Jacka Resources (15%), Carnarvon Petroleum (13%), and Rialto Energy (12%).
Source: Apache

ХХХ 16.03.11 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for second 3D seismic acquisition project, offshore Ireland 16 March 2011.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent from Lansdowne Oil & Gas PLC for a 300 square kilometer 3D seismic acquisition project in the Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland.
The survey will commence immediately following completion of the Company's first 3D seismic acquisition contract offshore Ireland, previously announced by Polarcus on 07 March 2011. This latest survey is expected to run for approximately 20 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 16.03.11 Forum completes seismic acquisition of Sampaguita Field.
Forum Energy plc. has completed its seismic acquisition over SC72. As part of the work program, 564.887 Km2 of 3D seismic data was acquired over the Sampaguita Gas Field and 2,202.38 Line-Km of 2D seismic data was also acquired over the block in order to further define additional leads identified within the SC72 acreage.
The Company will immediately begin processing the data with the aim of further evaluating the commercial potential of the block, and to help identify the best location for possible appraisal wells to be drilled in the next sub-phase of the SC72 license.
The survey was carried out by CGG Veritas, using the M/V Veritas Voyager.
Robin Nicholson, Executive Chairman, commented, "We are delighted to have completed our work program so efficiently and ahead of our anticipated schedule. We have now met our contractual commitments with the Philippine Department of Energy under Service Contract 72 and look forward to making further investments into the project."
Source: Forum

ХХХ 14.03.11 Searcher and FMCS extend the Barrow Ultracube.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd in conjunction with project partner Fugro Multiclient Services (FMCS) is pleased to announce that the Barrow Ultracube 3D reprocessing project is to be further extended northwards.
The Barrow Ultracube Phase 1 was completed in August 2010, and covers 8,739km2 in the highly prospective Barrow Sub-basin, Western Australia. The project merged nine multi-vintage 3D surveys from field tape with a full PSTM processing flow.
Following the commercial success of Phase 1, a further 5 surveys were added and merged, covering 3,490km2 to the south-west of the Ultracube (Phase 2) which cover highly prospective open acreage, due for gazettal in the forthcoming 2011 Federal Acreage release. Phase 3 will extend the Ultracube northwards by 5,335km2 over the prolific "shelf-break" and will in total provide an invaluable regional dataset of nearly 20,000km2 of newly reprocessed 3D seismic to evaluate existing and future acreage opportunities as they become available over the prospective regions of the North West Shelf.
Phase 3 is also being processed at Fugro Seismic Imaging in Perth, Western Australia and the full suite of deliverables is scheduled to be available in Q1 2012.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 14.03.11 TGS signs Letter of Intent for 3D vessel.
TGS has signed a Letter of Intent with CGGVeritas to charter a high capacity vessel for 3D multi-client projects in Europe during the 2011 summer season.
The charter will begin before the end of April and will last for approximately 4 months.
The agreement also provides an option for TGS to extend the charter in two 6 month increments under fixed commercial terms.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 14.03.11 Shtokman gas project partners have selected a US based firm to provide process simulation services for the giant Barents Sea offshore project.
Houston-based Lanner Group has just completed work on behalf of Shtokman project leader Gazprom developing a detailed simulation of offshore operations which incorporates aspects such as weather and equipment downtime, and shipping options.
According to Lanner, the simulation was designed to allow Gazprom to "rigorously assess" specific challenges of the 3.9 Bcm field's development due to its location 310 miles offshore and the needs of the upstream gas complex. "Conditions in the Arctic can be harsh and needed to be fully taken into account, including relevant weather data for all routes that ships might take," - the US firm said.
"Ability to run the field in a virtual environment means that we are well prepared for the future," - said Frederik Smits van Oyen, business development manager for Gazprom Global LNG. "This is all about our ability to deliver LNG across different markets confidently and reliably."
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 11.03.11 Norway to open one of two Arctic areas.
Norwegian politicians have penned a compromise decision on drilling in northern waters and have agreed to delay oilfield activity near the pristine fishing villages of the Lofoten Archipelago while starting the process of opening offshore acreage bordering Russia.
The Lofoten area is said to possibly contain as much oil and gas as the oil-rich country of 4.7 million residents has produced during its 40-year petro "fairy tale". The Barents Sea zone near Russia was amicably spit between the two northern nations a year ago and is believed equally reserves-rich.
The newly acquired acreage will be carved into production licenses as soon as data can be collected.
The government called its compromise the revising of its management plan for northern Norway, saying studies will focus now on a better understanding of petro-reserves far to the northeast of the sought-after Lofoten.
The Norwegian Oil Industry Association, or OLF, said the decision to delay the approach to development beyond 2020 was "unfortunate".
"WeТre very dissatisfied that an impact assessment off Lofoten and Vesteralen has once again been postponed," - said OLF chief exec Gro Brakken. The OLF said its members have historically needed 15 years from "open season" on surveys to production.
The compromise stems from the ruling coalition of Labour, Socialist Left and Centre parties views on northern drilling. LabourТs traditional "jobs first" approach for the countryТs sparsely populated northern areas was tempered by partner partiesТ concerns over spills and potential effects on coastal people's long-term commerce.
"Together we've found a good choice between environmental considerations and petroleum activity," - the country's environment and development minister was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the so-called MAREANO program will study reserves and the effects of oilfield activity in the newly freed Barents border area, a new petro-zone as big as Germany.
The Lofoten archipelago will instead see studies focused on the effects on sea life of pollution brought by ocean currents and trade winds, including spills from afar and the North AtlanticТs higher carbon-dioxide and sulphur counts.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 10.03.11 Sercel has been awarded a contract by Dolphin Geophysical for the purchase of Nautilusо and Sentinelо systems to equip its first high-capacity 3D seismic vessel Polar Duke.
The three-in-one Nautilus device offers acoustic positioning, depth control and automatic steering in a single unit. The Sentinel solid streamer, which powers Nautilus, delivers reduced tow noise and outstanding improvements in signal-to-noise ratio. The combination of Nautilus and Sentinel makes the Sercel solution the quietest steered streamer available today.
Bjarne Stavenes, Technical Vice President, Dolphin Geophysical AS, said: "The decision to award the equipment contract to Sercel will enable Dolphin Geophysical to provide our customers with the best-quality data available today. Being equipped with Sentinel low-noise streamers, Seal 428 continuous recording and the Nautilus fully integrated steering, depth and positioning capability will position Polar Duke as one of the most advanced high-end, high-capacity vessels in the industry. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Sercel working together to develop technologies for the future."
Pascal Rouiller, CEO, Sercel, said: "We are pleased to have been selected by Dolphin Geophysical for the supply of the industryТs best marine seismic acquisition package on such a significant project. With over 50 seismic vessels currently equipped with the latest Sercel marine acquisition technology, the Seal 428 new-generation marine seismic recorder along with Nautilus coupled with Sentinel is proving to be the system of choice for high-capacity 3D seismic vessels."
Source: CGGV

ХХХ 10.03.11 BOS Atlantic mobilises for new N.W African multiclient survey.
Bergen Oilfield Services AS (BOS) inform that superb 2D/3D vessel BOS Atlantic has started mobilisation towards West Africa for a Q1 startup of the NWAAM 2D regional multi-client program. This news complements earlier announcements, and reinforces the BOS commitment to target an early data delivery of these new data found to be of large interest by the E&P industry. The BOS Atlantic has recently received a successful upgrade, including installation of the latest ION Digistreamer as well as the ORCA 2D INS from ION Concept Systems. The vessel also remains exclusively rigged for Arctic surveying technology. In West Africa it is expected that the vessel will work both on the NWAAM survey as well as responding to proprietary survey requirements in the area.
Marc Guillon, Business Development Manager Africa, comments. "I am extremely pleased with the response from our clients to the NWAAM Multiclient program and with recent vessel upgrade and today. BOS has underlined our commitment to becoming a major multiclient provider. Our aim is to further develop the NWAAM program in full cooperation with interested clients to enhance the areas of prospectivity in North West Africa. The BOS partnership with Exploration Geosciences has been a key to our success, along with enthusiastic support in West Africa from individuals to local authorities. Now we are just excited to get going and to deliver significant new exploration data to our customers."
Source: BOS

ХХХ 09.03.11 Polarcus Samur to commence charter in Namibia.
Polarcus says that Polarcus Samur Ltd, a member of the Polarcus Group, took delivery on March 2, 2011 of Polarcus Samur, the fourth 3D seismic vessel to date to join the Polarcus fleet. The vessel was built at Drydocks World - Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and is transiting directly to Namibia to commence a charter for HRT Participacoes em Petroleo S.A. and UNX Energy Corp.
Polarcus Samur is an ultra-modern and Arctic-ready 8 streamer 3D seismic vessel of the ULSTEIN SX133 design capable of towing both conventional and wide tow spreads, including the Company's First Pass(TM) 3D technique. The SX133 design has an overall length of 84.2m and a beam of 17m. Polarcus Samur has a maximum speed of 17 knots and is capable of deploying up to 8 streamers each of 6,000m length, or 6 streamers each of 8,000m length, with lateral streamer separations of between 25 and 200 meters.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 09.03.11 BGP to conduct complex seismic survey in Red Sea.
BGP is conducting a very complex 2D TZ seismic survey in the Red Sea. The complicated terrains include populous city and town, muddy beach, shallow water island, coral reef, offshore ports, and areas near offshore oilfield infrastructure. These complex surface conditions present several challenging difficulties for seismic operation such as drilling, air-guns, receiver cable deployment, positioning, and quality control.
In order to tackle the challenges, BGP has formed a series of solutions. For seismic sources, three different types of sources have been used: vibroseis, explosives and air guns. For the recording, both a cable system and a Node system are simultaneously utilized. Three types of sensors, geophones, marsh phones and dual sensors were used in the cable system, while the Node System was deployed at the sea floor in deep water areas (more than 50 m deep).
BGP will continuously make its efforts to optimize acquisition quality and productivity of the entire project. Safe and efficient operations and high-quality data have been highly appreciated by the client.
Source: BGP

ХХХ 03.03.11 M/V Fugro Galaxy - Delivery of New-Build Survey Vessel.
Fugro formally took delivery of a new-build vessel, M/V Fugro Galaxy - the second of FugroТs FSSV series of dedicated survey vessels. Designed to Fugro specifications and fitted with the latest survey equipment these are the most advanced vessels of their type.
The new vessel will be able to carry out the full range of site and route survey tasks to obtain the high resolution data necessary for safe, efficient and cost-effective planning, design and engineering activities for the installation of pipelines, platforms, manifolds, wind turbines and other seabed structures.
Fugro Galaxy is part of FugroТs global vessel replacement schedule with the objective of removing older tonnage from the fleet and differentiating Fugro from other providers.
Source: Portnews

ХХХ 01.03.11 CGGVeritas has announced that it has signed a term sheet to create a joint venture to operate 2D and 3D marine seismic vessels, primarily in Russian and CIS waters.
The joint venture will provide marine seismic data acquisition and processing services for the oil and gas clients operating locally in Russia and CIS. CGGVeritas will make available one 2D ice class vessel and one 3D ice class vessel, to the joint venture.
Jean-Georges Malcor CEO of CGGVeritas, said: "At a time when Russian and CIS Arctic exploration and production is becoming more and more important, we are very pleased to sign this joint venture agreement with Geotech. Entry to this very important Russian and CIS offshore market is a significant step forward for CGGVeritas. Our Joint Venture with Geotech, the leading seismic company in Russia and the CIS, creates a solid foundation for future growth in the region".
Nikolai Levitsky, President of JSC Geotech holding said: "The Joint Venture with CGGVeritas enables Geotech to significantly strengthen its leadership positions in the Russian market and move to a new level of development thanks to using the leading global offshore seismic technologies".
The GEOTECH Holding JSC is one of the largest oil servicing companies throughout the world. Its personnel consists of more than 12,000 staff members including respective high skilled specialists per such realms as seismology examination and drilling performance of various types. With using its high technological equipment and own expert solutions the GEOTECH Holding performs any kinds of field seismic works including seismic exploration of terrestrial and intermediate areas. Apart from it the company elaborates its explorative and maintenance drilling procedures with purpose to develop this line of activities furthermore.
Source: Geonews

ХХХ 01.03.11 Lukoil, Vanco sign agreements in Black Sea JV.
A consortium, including Lukoil Overseas (a 100% subsidiary of Lukoil) and Vanco International signed concession agreements with the National Agency for Mineral Resources of Romania. The agreements provide for exploration and development of two blocks, Est Rapsodia and Trident, in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea.
The respective stakes of Lukoil Overseas and Vanco International in the consortium are 80% and 20%.
The right to implement these projects was obtained by the consortium as a result of bidding held in the summer of 2010. The Est Rapsodia and Trident blocks are located in the Black Sea at water depths ranging from 90 to 1,000 meters. The distance to the coastline is 60-100 kilometers, the nearest town on the coast is Sulina. The total area of the two license blocks is about 2,000 square kilometers. A 3D seismic study is required to assess the geological structure of the blocks.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 01.03.11 CGGVeritas enters JV for seismic surveys Offshore Indonesia.
CGGVeritas has signed a term sheet with PT Elnusa Tbk to create a 2D/3D marine joint venture to carry out 2D and 3D marine seismic surveys, in Asia Pacific Region, with main focus in Indonesia.
The joint venture will provide marine seismic data acquisition services for oil and gas clients operating locally in Indonesia and the region. CGGVeritas will contribute one 4-streamer, purpose built in Singapore, state-of-the-art vessel, to the joint venture.
Jean-Georges Malcor CEO of CGGVeritas, said, "We are very pleased to sign this joint venture with Elnusa, our long term partner in Indonesia. The offshore Indonesian market is very promising and I am confident that together we will best address our clientТs exploration and production challenges through this new Joint Venture."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 24.02.11 Fugro Galaxy due to be delivered shortly.
Towards the end of 2010, the survey vessel Fugro Galaxy was launched at Fassmer Shipyard in Bremen in Germany.
The vessel is the second in Fugro's planned newbuild Fugro Standard Survey Vessel (FSSV) fleet and is due to be delivered by the end of February 2011.
At 65m overall and accommodation for 43 in single and double cabins she will be a comfortable and spacious vessel on which to work and is fully capable of worldwide operations.
The suite of survey equipment will include Kongsberg EA400 single beam echo sounder and EM710 multi-beam echo sounder, Edgetech dual frequency 4200 digital sidescan sonar, new generation Topas PS 40 parametric sub-bottom profiler, Hydroscience SeeMUX seismic recording system, with an energy source of up to 970 cu and a HiPAP 500 USBL system.
The vessel will be fully networked to provide plug-and-play interconnectivity and have Fugro's dual DGPS high precision Navigation systems. Geotechnical and ROVSV duties can also be undertaken.
The specially designed hull form, resilient engine mounts and rudder propeller design maximise station keeping and navigational control, ensure acoustically quiet running at survey speeds and keep the vesselТs carbon footprint to a minimum.
Fugro Galaxy will have the same advanced diesel electric propulsion system as Fugro Searcher. Based on three 910kW gensets driving two rudder propellers. Dynamic positioning (DP1) enables the vessels to remain static over a designated spot or follow an ROV on survey work, while bow thrusters assist manoeuvring and station keeping.
Fugro Galaxy will be operated by Fugro Survey Ltd of Aberdeen.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 22.02.11 Rolls-Royce has won a GBP 20 million order from Chinese conglomerate Sinopec to design and equip a specialist seismic research vessel.
When operational it will carry out detailed surveys of the seabed to identify oil and gas reserves. The contract includes efficient power and propulsion systems and a range of advanced automated handling systems for seismic equipment.
Rolls-Royce has a growing presence in the subsea and seismic technology markets, and during the last three months, inclusive of this contract, the Group has secured seismic orders totalling more than GBP 50 million.
Cato Fjeldstad, Rolls-Royce, Sales Manager - Special Purpose Vessels, said: "Rolls-Royce has decades of experience in designing specialist vessels to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry and continues to develop industry leading technology."
"Our expertise enables our customers to meet their objectives safely and efficiently, while operating in some of the most challenging environments on earth."
The vessel, a UT 830 CD, will be able to operate worldwide and will be the first of its type to be equipped with a package of Rolls-Royce handling systems for seismic equipment.
The vessel will tow up to 14 streamers, each 10km long.
Shanghai Shipyard Co will build the vessel for Shanghai Offshore Petroleum Geophysical Corporation (part of the Sinopec organisation), with delivery scheduled for 2013.
The UT 830 CD meets the DNV Clean Design and Comfort (V3)(C3) requirements, and the accommodation for 65 people in single and two berth cabins is to Rolls-Royce standard.
The company will be supplying all the main ship systems; power, propulsion, manoeuvring, deck machinery, controls and automation, and also the full seismic handling systems for streamers, vanes and sound sources, with their associated radio remote controls.
Seismic handling equipment is distributed over three levels Ц sound source systems lowest, the streamer winches and fairleads above, then the vane davits and winches on the upper deck. Seismic signals are processed in a spacious suite flanked by computer rooms, and the refined data sent by link for final analysis ashore.
This vessel will have a bollard pull of 130 tonnes, and being 100m long, with a 24m beam hull, it is designed for low motion, due to the sensitivities of seismic equipment.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 18.02.11 Shtokman Faces New Delays on Low Gas Demand.
The giant Shtokman gas project in Russian Arctic waters faces new delays due to low gas demand and disagreements between shareholders over the project's design, government and company officials said Thursday.
The project's architects had planned to take a final investment decision in March. But on Thursday, an executive with Shtokman Development AG confirmed that the timeframe would shift until later in 2011 to green light a project that has already been significantly pushed back.
The latest delay comes as industry observers forecast a gas glut hitting global markets in the next few years, due to weakened demand in Europe, new supplies of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, and a shale gas boom in the U.S.
The Shtokman offshore field - a joint project controlled by Russian state gas giant Gazprom with France's Total and Norway's Statoil as minority shareholders - is a technically challenging project located in icy waters in the Barents Sea around 500 kilometers north of Murmansk.
With reserves of 3.9 trillion cubic meters around 53 million tons of gas condensate, Shtokman has enough gas to meet worldwide demand for a year. An original plan envisioned deliveries of pipeline gas from Shtokman in 2013 and LNG by 2014. But one year ago, the project was delayed three years due to "changes in the market situation and particularly in the LNG market," the three shareholders said then.
Now Russia is considering delaying the project again, the deputy head of the Natural Resource Ministry's Subsoil Agency, Pyotr Sadovnik, told a government meeting Thursday, state news agencies reported.
"This situation has arisen because the United States is actively using shale gas and demand for gas is falling accordingly," Sadovnik said, adding that a final decision has not yet been made.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 16.02.11 PGS signed Letter of Award for two Ramforms with Mitsubishi.
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA has signed a Letter of Award with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. for the delivery of two Ramform W-class vessels, with the option for another two ships. The vessels are the first in the new, fifth generation Ramform series. Planned deliveries of the two first vessels are in 2013.
PGS President and CEO, Jon Erik Reinhardsen states in a comment: "The new generation Ramforms will strengthen PGS' unique position in the seismic industry. Our decision to renew and expand our fleet comes at a time when we expect growth in seismic demand."
The Letter of Award is a part of the program to renew and expand PGS' industry leading fleet of seismic vessels by building two fifth generation Ramform vessels, with an option for another two vessels. The new generation Ramforms' total cost will be approximately USD 250 million each, including construction follow-up, commissioning and a comprehensive seismic package. The agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd includes the option for delivery of further two identical vessels.
These fifth generation Ramform vessels will further enhance PGS' position as a leader in 3D seismic acquisition productivity and efficiency. The vessels are designed to utilize and extract the full potential from the flagship GeoStreamerо technology. PGS expects that all of its 3D fleet will be equipped with GeoStreamerо by end 2013.
The vessel design is based on the demonstrated strengths of the current Ramform fleet, while improving capabilities along a number of key parameters. The new vessels will include a significantly upgraded GeoStreamerо based seismic package and are designed to take the full benefits of the GeoStreamerо towing efficiency. The vessels will further strengthen PGS' leading position in the fast growing High Density segment of the market, where large spreads, long streamers and towing efficiency are the key success factors. The High Density segments are driven by deep water exploration and production in geologically complex areas such as Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. GeoStreamerо technology is also opening up new markets in mature basins, such as the North Sea, where the higher fidelity data can reveal new geological plays.
Ramform W-Class Specifications:
Length 104.2 m;
Breadth 70 m;
Draft 6.4 m;
Transit speed 16 knots;
Main propulsion system Diesel electric;
Accommodation (single berths) 60 single and 10 double cabins;
Helideck 26m 15 t Super Puma/EH-101;
Work boats 2 x 30' in stern cradle launching;
Streamer winches 26 x 12 000m capacity.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 14.02.11 Spectrum and PGS join forces on East Greenland Multi-Client Project.
Spectrum and Petroleum Geo Services have completed reprocessing 7,357km of 80Тs vintage 2D seismic data offshore the south east coast of Greenland. The significant improvement in data quality that has been achieved reflects the combined processing experience of the two companies.
The seismic data is located offshore south eastern Greenland between 62 and 72 degrees latitude. This area includes the southern part of the East Greenland rift basin. A 2007 US Geological Survey (USGS) assessment over this province indicated undiscovered oil and gas reserves of 31,400 MMBOE (million barrels of oil equivalent).
East Greenland forms the conjugate margin to the Norwegian continental shelf, Faroe-Shetland Islands and Rockall Basins. It is anticipated that analogues of successful play types found in these relatively well explored petroleum provinces can be extrapolated into East Greenland. This offshore area is considered frontier in hydrocarbon exploration terms, with only limited, regional, wide-spaced 2D seismic lines available and only a few Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) wells drilled.
Using contemporary techniques perfected for sub-basalt imaging in the UK Atlantic Margin and offshore India West Coast, Spectrum and PGS were able to improve definition of the pre-Tertiary basalt sedimentary section.
This reprocessed seismic data is now available as a final Pre-Stack Time Migrated product from both Spectrum and PGS.
Source: Spectrum

ХХХ 10.02.11 Steel cutting ceremony Ц Polarcus 14 streamer vessel NB292.
Polarcus Limited announced that the official steel cutting ceremony of newbuild NB292 took place on 07 February 2011.
Vessel NB292 is the first of two newbuilds ordered from Ulstein Verft AS of Norway and announced by Polarcus on 18 November 2010.
The vessels are being built to the ULSTEIN SX134 design but with a higher ice class ("ICE 1A super"), increased propulsion and other innovative efficiency enhancing features. Once delivered, these two high-end 3D seismic vessels will be capable of towing up to 14 solid streamers with 100m lateral separation between streamers.
Delivery of vessel NB292 is scheduled for March 2012.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 09.02.11 Eni Pumps First Oil Offshore Alaska.
Eni began oil production at the Nikaitchuq field, located offshore the North Slope of Alaska at an average water depth of 3 meters.
The field, which is Eni's first operated Arctic project, is 100% owned and operated by Eni with recoverable reserves estimated at 220 million barrels of oil. Nikaitchuq is expected to produce for over 30 years with peak production of 28,000 barrels of oil per day.
Nikaitchuq's full development will be through 52 wells (26 oil producers, 21 water injectors, 5 water source/disposal wells) of which 22 onshore and 30 offshore, with the latter drilled from an artificial island. The processing facility has been completed and 12 onshore wells have already been drilled with the remaining wells to be drilled by 2014.
The Nikaitchuq wells, which benefit from the application of several of Eni's proprietary technologies, are leading-edge since they combine a vertical depth of 4,000 ft with a horizontal reach of up to 20,000 ft.
The offshore facilities are connected to the onshore facilities by a under sea bed pipeline bundle, which is the heaviest bundle ever installed in the Arctic.
The two process and utilities modules of 4,000 tons each built in Louisiana. The remaining facilities comprise 22 modules all built in Alaska.
The facilities have been designed and built using technology aimed at minimizing the impact on the environment: zero flaring, pipe-in-pipe technology for hydrocarbon transportation, spill containment devices in all modules and low emission turbine generators.
The processing plant is capable of treating 40,000 barrels per day of heavy crude with sand and up to 120,000 barrel per day of water. These facilities will allow Eni to ship sales-quality crude oil through the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, with no need for further processing.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 09.02.11 The Norwegian Parliament Tuesday ratified an accord reached with Russia on demarcating the two countries' maritime border in the Barents Sea, removing another hurdle to tapping suspected large oil and gas reserves in the Arctic region.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reached the deal in April last year, ending a 40-year dispute over a 176,000-square-kilometer (67,950-square-mile) maritime area straddling their economic zones in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
The accord was unanimously ratified by the Norwegian parliament, but still needs approval from the Russian Duma before it can go into effect, clearing the way for both countries to begin charting the seabed.
The Arctic seabed is believed to hold 90 billion barrels, or 13%, of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30% of the gas resources yet to be found, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Source: Geonews

ХХХ 08.02.11 Bahamas Petroleum completes seismic acquisition.
Bahamas Petroleum has completed the acquisition of 1120 km of long-cable (8km) 2D seismic in its southern licenses. The new seismic survey has confirmed the presence of multiple prospects, some of which are 4-way closure in nature and some of which are combination stratigraphic-structural traps.
The Company will engage an independent firm to undertake a competent persons report (CPR) to define the full scope of the seismic analysis, define and hi-grade drillable prospects and assign resource estimates. Processing of the seismic has been awarded to Spectrum, the company which acquired and processed the 2010 seismic data. The award to Spectrum will ensure rapid turnaround processing using mathematical algorithms, which have already been determined from the earlier survey of 2010. The Company expect the CPR and processing will take several months to complete.
Bahamas Petroleum's CEO, Dr Paul Crevello, commented, "I am very pleased to announce these successful, preliminary results from the seismic survey across our Southern license area. The prospects identified from ship-board analysis of the seismic data validate the presence of the leads identified in the pre-1987 evaluation. The results are very encouraging. I look forward to further processing of the data and the results of CPR analysis of the prospects and resource evaluation."
Bahamas Petroleum's Non-Executive Chairman, Alan Burns, commented, "I have personally reviewed the preliminary seismic data and I am very encouraged by what I have seen. We are focused on creating significant value for our shareholders and through the exploratory work done to date and as we take the identified prospects towards drilling, this primary aim is getting closer to realization."
Source: Bahamas Petroleum

ХХХ 07.02.11 SeaBird, 2D Contract awards.
SeaBird Exploration Limited provided a contract update regarding its business activities in the 2D and 3D shallow water as set out below.
Following completion of a survey in Indonesia next week, Aquila Explorer has been awarded one contract and received a letter of intent for a further survey in direct continuation of the above contract and is currently mobilizing for New Zealand. These surveys will keep the vessel employed until mid to end April 2011.
After being idle in Las Palmas since Q3 2010, Hawk Explorer will be mobilizing for West Africa where she will be employed from mid February until mid May 2011.
After completing her survey in Indonesia and idle during January, Northern Explorer is currently mobilizing for East Africa following signing of a contract for a survey commencing mid February with expected completion mid May 2011.
Osprey Explorer has completed her survey in Bahamas and is now mobilizing for US Gulf where she will commence a multi-client survey mid February until end May 2011. Management expects cost recovery during the survey period with potential uplift following sales of survey data in late H1-11 and H2-11.
These contracts have a combined value of approximately US$ 20 million and represent approximately 11 vessel-months utilization including mobilization time.
Geo Mariner will be transiting to South East Asia where management expects work to materialize in Q2-2011.
SeaBird sees some increased activity gradually improving the utilization through Q1 2011 and beyond for its 2D fleet. This is in line with the expectations generally for the 2D/3D seismic market.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 04.02.11 Searcher and Seabird complete Browse Basin Non Exclusive Well Tie Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd in conjunction with project partner Seabird Exploration announced that the Vampire Non-Exclusive 2D Seismic Survey ("Vampire Survey") was completed on the 1st February, 2011.
The Vampire Survey acquired a total of 7,250km of long-offset 2D seismic data in the highly prospective Browse Basin, Australia with the primary objective being to provide direct well ties to the basins most recent drilling activity.
The secondary objective of the survey was to provide additional seismic coverage and well tie data to the sparsely explored open acreage immediately adjacent to the giant 14Tcf Torosa, Brecknock and Calliance discoveries. This initiative has now been supported by the Australian Government who has proposed that the area be included as part of the 2011 Australian acreage release.
The data will be processed at Fugro Seismic Imaging in Perth, Western Australia and the full suite of deliverables are scheduled to be available in Q2 2011.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 03.02.11 Sakhalin-1 project drills world's longest extended-reach well.
Exxon Mobil Corporation says that its subsidiary, Exxon Neftegas Limited, has successfully drilled the world's longest extended-reach well at the Odoptu field, offshore far east Russia. Exxon Neftegas is the operator of the Sakhalin-1 Project on behalf of an international consortium that includes affiliates of the Russian state company Rosneft RN-Astra and Sakhalinmorneftegas-Shelf; the Japanese corporation SODECO; and the Indian state oil company ONGC Videsh Ltd.
The Odoptu OP-11 well reached a total measured depth of 40,502 feet (12,345 meters or 7.67 miles) to set a world record for extended-reach drilling (ERD). The Odoptu OP-11 also set a world record with a horizontal reach of 37,648 feet (11,475 meters or 7.13 miles). Exxon Neftegas completed the record-setting well in only 60 days using ExxonMobil's Fast Drill Process and Integrated Hole Quality technology to maximize performance in every foot of hole drilled at OP-11.
Odoptu, one of three Sakhalin-1 Project fields, is situated 5 to 7 miles (8 to 11 kilometers) offshore northeast Sakhalin Island. The ERD process enables onshore drilling beneath the seafloor to the offshore oil and gas reservoirs to successfully operate in a safe and environmentally responsible manner in one of the most challenging sub-arctic environments in the world.
Since the first Sakhalin-1 well was drilled in 2003, six of the world's 10 record-setting ERD wells have been drilled at the project. The specially designed Yastreb rig has been used throughout, setting multiple industry records for measured depth, rate of penetration and directional drilling.
Since startup, the Sakhalin-1 project has produced approximately 300 million barrels (39 million tons) of oil for export to world markets. It also has been a key supplier of approximately 235 billion cubic feet (6.8 billion cubic meters) of associated natural gas to customers in Khabarovsk Krai, in far eastern Russia, to heat homes and meet growing energy needs. The project will continue to help meet future natural gas demand in this region.
Sakhalin-1 includes the Chayvo, Odoptu, and Arkutun Dagi oil and gas fields located off the northeast coast of Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. Potential recoverable resources are 2.3 billion barrels (307 million tons) of oil and 17.1 trillion cubic feet (485 billion cubic meters) of natural gas.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 01.02.11 EMGS wins USD 12.5 million Red Sea contract.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) announced that it has signed a contract worth approximately USD 12.5 million with an oil company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The vessel BOA Galatea will acquire both 3D electromagnetic (EM) and magnetotelluric (MT) data in the Red Sea over a three-month period. Mobilization is expected in the early part of the second quarter, following completion of the previously announced contract offshore Mozambique.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented: "We are delighted to have secured this contract which, along with the work offshore Mozambique, provides backlog for the BOA Galatea through to the end of July 2011.
"The Red Sea project is, to our knowledge, the largest combined 3D EM and MT survey ever undertaken. We see this as an endorsement of our technical and operational capabilities, providing further evidence that EM is becoming an established exploration tool."
Whereas 3D EM, which is also known as controlled source EM (CSEM), uses a high-power EM source to create a subsurface signal, the magnetotelluric (MT) method uses a natural signal generated from the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field. MT and EM surveys can be performed using the same receiver deployment, with MT measurements recorded when the controlled source is inactive. The MT method is particularly useful in complex salt and basalt areas such as the Red Sea.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 27.01.11 HRT, Polarcus ink seismic contract for Offshore Namibia Block.
HRT Participacoes en Peroleo S.A. has signed a contract with Polarcus Limited to provide 3D seismic on Block 2813A offshore Namibia. UNX and HRT each own a 40% share in the 2813 contract area with the remaining 20% being owned by Acarus Investments.
The joint venture plans to acquire 304,434 acres (1,232 square kilometers) of 3D seismic on the northern portion of Block 2813A offshore Namibia. UNX, a partner on the block, stated the program is an extension of the company's previously announced seismic program on Block 2713A, targeting a very large feature with multiple identified zones including a sub-shale feature.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 27.01.11 PGS and SeaBird in strategic cooperation for deep water node seismic.
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA and SeaBird Exploration Plc have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to further develop ocean bottom node solutions for deep water.
CEO Jon Erik Reinhardsen of PGS says: "This agreement enables the two companies to provide a complete seismic offering in deep water areas, in areas with complex geology, and in areas with heavy infrastructure on the sea bottom".
SeaBird is the market leader for nodal seismic operation in deep waters. The cooperation with PGS will further strengthen that. The use of nodes for 3D, 4C and 4D seismic in deep waters, to map challenging reservoirs, will be particularly attractive combined with PGS' broadband GeoStreamerо and GeoSource(TM) technology.
PGS will gain exclusive rights to offer SeaBird's autonomous seabed recording technology at market terms in Brazil.
PGS expects this agreement to further strengthen each of the two companies leading positions in the reservoir monitoring market, which has been, and is expected to represent the fastest growing segment of the seismic market.
In the cooperation agreement, the parties have expressed intentions to explore further areas of cooperation, such as data processing and use of GeoStreamerо on Seabirds' 2D vessels.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 27.01.11 EMGS awarded USD 8.5 million contract offshore Mozambique.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA has been awarded a contract worth USD 8.5 million by a repeat customer to acquire 3D EM data offshore Mozambique.
The vessel BOA Galatea will be mobilized in early February, following completion of her current work in New Zealand. The Mozambique survey will continue into the early part of the second quarter.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented: "This customer regularly uses 3D EM data to help de-risk hydrocarbon prospects and influence those all important drilling decisions. The fact that the company keeps coming back is, I believe, a compelling demonstration of the value that we add to customers' operations."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 27.01.11 RXT - Contract in West Africa extended.
Reference is made to press release dated 23 December 2010 where RXT reported that production had started in West Africa. RXT has agreed an extension of this work, securing RXT1 and RXT4 work in West Africa until end of February 2011. The extension has an estimated value of USD 13 million. RXT is actively pursuing further work in West Africa and is optimistic about the possibility for future work in the region.
Source: RXT

ХХХ 25.01.11 SeaBird awarded 2nd stage Rosebank field node survey by Chevron North Sea Limited.
SeaBird Exploration PLC announced through its wholly owned subsidiary SeaBird Exploration FZLLC the execution of a second contract with Chevron North Sea Limited (on behalf of itself and the other Rosebank partners: Statoil (U.K.) Ltd., OMV (U.K.) Ltd., and DONG E&P (U.K.) Ltd) for the next stage of the acquisition of the ocean bottom node seismic survey West of Shetland at approximately 1,200m water depth.
The purpose of this full azimuth 4C-3D node survey is to acquire multi-component data for improved reservoir imaging and characterization. The survey will be conducted with the two survey vessels Hugin Explorer and Munin Explorer. Hugin Explorer will cover a node survey area with approximately 1200 node positions using SeaBird's proprietary autonomous CASE Abyss nodes. The source vessel Munin Explorer is planned to execute a full azimuth dense shooting program of 350 square kilometers over a period of four months. The survey will start beginning of May 2011 and mobilization will commence one month prior.
In the meantime SBX is actively pursuing employment for the vessel in the interim period.
Source: SeaBird

ХХХ 24.01.11 GAC and TransAtlantic sign Arctic agency agreement.
GAC Norway has welcomed TransAtlantic's ice-breaking anchor handler Tor Viking II to Hammerfest after its transit of the ice-bound northeast passage, under a new agency agreement that brings together two companies with plans for Arctic expansion.
Berthing at the northern Norwegian port marked the end of the vesselТs voyage from Alaska to Europe through frozen seas, shaving three weeks off the sailing time needed to take the traditional route through the Panama Canal.
It was the first time a commercial vessel had used the Northern Sea Route so late in the year.
Tor Viking II first made the passage in 2007, and the same master, Captain Erik Almkvist, was onboard that she completed the feat.
"The ice situation became more and more difficult as we proceeded to the north-west from the Bering Strait," - says Capt Almkvist. "With ice over 60cm thick and with ridges several metres thick, the passage was more difficult this time compared to our voyage in November 2007. When we arrived at Hammerfest, GAC had arranged all necessary clearances and requirements for our stay. Their pre-arrival information and service was very professional and helpful."
As GAC noted, significant future oil and gas extraction is expected to take place in new fields in the Arctic waters, promoting demand for specialist ice-going offshore vessels with specially-trained crews.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 19.01.11 BP has been awarded four deepwater offshore blocks in the Ceduna Sub Basin within the Great Australian Bight, off the coast of South Australia.
BP said that it will explore Exploration Permit for Petroleum (EPP) areas EPP 37, EPP 38, EPP 39 and EPP 40 covering an area of 24,000 km2 for oil and gas reserves, with the right to develop any commercially viable discoveries.
"This is a material and early move into an unexplored deepwater basin," said Mike Daly, Executive Vice President of Exploration for BP.
"The Ceduna Sub Basin is a very exciting new exploration area for BP. Our experience tells us that the geology has a high potential for containing hydrocarbons," added Dr Phil Home, Managing Director of BP's Australian upstream oil and gas business.
BP said that the proposed exploration activity would be phased over 6 years and, as part of the regulatory approval process, would be subject to detailed environmental assessment.
Seismic survey activity could take place in the summer of 2011/12. Drilling activity is not expected to take place until 2013 or 2014. BP is committed to use the intervening time to fully implement the lessons learned from the investigations into the Montara and Deepwater Horizon incidents, and is working closely with the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and industry to do so.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 18.01.11 C-Nav delivers products and services for Polarcus.
C-Nav, the supplier of international GNSS Precise Point Positioning services, has installed its latest GNSS systems on the seismic vessel Polarcus Samur.
C-Nav has made four installations for Polarcus Group as a part of its service contract with the company. Past installations include Polarcus Nadia, Polarcus Naila.
Polarcus Asima a new 3D seismic vessel, is also due to be fitted with C-Nav equipment in early 2011.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 17.01.11 Survey specialist Fugro is looking upbeat about 2011 based on the belief that oil and gas sector investment will rise 10% this year.
Publishing its outlook for 2011, Fugro notes that its order backlog has increased in recent months to a higher level than a year ago, and it expects revenue to rise this year.
Recently awarded projects Ц with individual values measured in millions of Euros Ц include two marine cable routes surveys offshore Ireland and in the Mediterranean, and a large deepwater pipeline survey has been secured for the eastern Mediterranean, which requires AUV and ROV support. Also Fugro has captured a deal worth nearly EURO 20 million to supply survey and geo-technical services for a major Australian LNG development.
Further offshore surveys have been secured for Tanzania, Mozambique, Indonesia, and India, worth another EURO 50 million.
"Looking ahead, one can say that the outlook for the oil and gas industry is positive," Fugro declared. "The oil price is around USD 90 per barrel and external reports for 2011 again indicate continued growth in investment in the oil and gas sector of over 10%".
And the upbeat message continues: "The larger international oil and gas companies, especially, have plans to increase their investments. The search for new production fields will continue, including in new areas such as offshore Africa".
"Further recovery in the market for exploration activities - marine seismic surveys - may also create room for price recovery in this segment in the course of the year," the survey group has suggested.
Turning to the offshore construction sector, Fugro said the market for marine construction and installation is expected to pick up after the winter season. "Еas the number of projects entering the construction phase is expected to increase during the year."
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 17.01.11 BP and Rosneft have agreed a groundbreaking strategic global alliance.
Rosneft and BP have agreed to explore and develop three license blocks - EPNZ 1,2,3 - on the Russian Arctic continental shelf. These licenses were awarded to Rosneft in 2010 and cover approximately 125,000 square kilometers in a highly prospective area of the South Kara Sea. This is an area roughly equivalent in size and prospectivity to the UK North Sea.
This historic agreement creates the first major equity-linked partnership between a national and international oil company. Following completion of this agreement, Rosneft will hold 5 percent of BP's ordinary voting shares in exchange for approximately 9.5 percent of Rosneft's shares. The share swap component of the alliance creates strategic alignment to pursue joint projects and demonstrates mutual confidence in the growth potential of both companies.
BP and Rosneft have also agreed to establish an Arctic technology center in Russia which will work with leading Russian and international research institutes, design bureaus and universities to develop technologies and engineering practices for the safe extraction of hydrocarbon resources from the Arctic shelf. The technology center will build on BP's deep offshore experience and learnings with full emphasis on safety, environmental integrity and emergency spill response capability.
Rosneft and BP have agreed to continue their joint technical studies in the Russian Arctic to assess hydrocarbon prospectivity in areas beyond the Kara Sea. The parties will also seek additional opportunities for international collaboration beyond their 50/50 joint venture partnership in Ruhr Oel GmbH, a refining joint venture in Germany (subject to completion of Rosneft's recent purchase of 50 percent of Ruhr Oel from PDVSA).
Source: BP plc

ХХХ 17.01.11 UNX to Acquire Seismic Data Offshore Namibia.
UNX Energy has signed a 3D seismic contract with Petroleum Geo-Services to acquire 277,994 acres (1,125 square kilometers) of 3D seismic on the 90%-owned Exploration License 2815, consisting of Blocks 2815, 2816 and 2916, offshore Namibia. The program will target various features on the blocks, and should commence in mid-February 2011, stated UNX Energy.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 13.01.11 Statoil and the partners in the Snohvit licence have decided to perform studies of possible concepts for building a new LNG plant at Melkoya in Hammerfest.
The plant can be expected to be online in 2018, at the earliest. The licence has conducted a feasibility study of processing capacity expansion of Hammerfest LNG plant at Melkoya, called Snohvit Train II, and have now decided to study technical concepts that may make further expansion economically feasible.
- We are considering expanding the LNG capacity at Melkoya by building a new LNG plant. Capacity expansion will accelerate the production of gas that has already been found and opened for earlier production of new gas that extensive exploration activities in the Barents Sea can hope to discover, says Statoil's project manager, Geir A. Owren.
A possible investment decision may be made towards the end of 2013 at the earliest, and the plant can be expected to be online in 2018, at the earliest, Statoil says in a press release.
In addition to the Melkoya expansions, a possible extension of capacity will entail a substantial development offshore involving several subsea templates, production wells and a new pipeline to land. The owners of Snohvit and Melkoya are: Statoil Petroleum (33.53 percent), Petoro (30 percent), GDF Suez E&P Norge (12 percent), Total E&P Norge (18.4 percent), Hess Norge (3.26 percent) and RWE Dea Norge (2.81 percent).
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 12.01.11 Bahamas Petroleum reports seismic survey contract award.
Bahamas Petroleum Company has signed an agreement with Osprey Navigation Company Inc. (Osprey Navigation), a subsidiary of SeaBird Exploration FZ LLC, to acquire a close grid 2D seismic in the Company's four southern licences using the M/V Osprey Explorer.
Prior to 2010 the existing vintage seismic dated back to 1987. The Company acquired further seismic data in June 2010 using modern, more advanced seismic acquisition technology and the data obtained proved up the existence of potential super-giant traps, with seismic indications of the presence of hydrocarbons. The Company anticipates that the 2011 survey will define drillable prospects and resource potential in place. This is the first prospect-level survey in the Bahamas. In addition, the Company has the option to acquire seismic, using Osprey Navigation, in its northern licence area.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 11.01.11 CGGVeritas and BG Group have signed a Technology Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that focuses on the development and deployment of advanced seismic solutions across the E&P workflow.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the partners will collaborate on a number of high-end technology projects within BG GroupТs global portfolio such as broadband acquisition and processing, complex sub-salt imaging, deep targets as well as unconventional gas.
James Faroppa, Chief Technical Officer, BG Group, said: "This is a positive step which brings together the joint talents of an experienced global operator and a skilled geophysical contractor. The solutions developed and field trials performed will help BG Group successfully address technology challenges across a broad range of conventional and unconventional assets."
Lionel Lhommet, Executive Vice President, Geomarkets & Global Marketing, CGGVeritas, said: "We are pleased to have signed this TCA which heralds a new era of partnership with BG Group. Working together will ensure that CGGVeritas fully understands the exploration and reservoir characterization needs of BG Group in all the diverse and worldwide areas where they operate. This will enable us to develop innovative tailored seismic technologies to best resolve their specific subsurface imaging challenges."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 07.01.11 Norwegian geologist believes that the delimitation line area between Norway and Russia in the Barents Sea is very uncertain.
"Even though there is significant potential for finding oil and gas in the delimitation line, the uncertainty is still quite large. Worst case scenario is no resources", - says Jan Inge Faleide, professor at the Insitute of Geology at the University of Oslo, to the research magazine Apollon.
During the last few years the professor has been one of the foremost experts on subsea geology in the Barents Sea. Faleide is also leading the Norwegian Russian research project Petrobar. Faleide's research has shown that large amounts of the Barents received high pressure and lost one to two kilometers with sediments during the Ice Age.
"The ice was a bulldozer that peeled off and moved soils west. At the same time the shelf was raised, and it became easier for the ice to peel off the layers on top", - says Faleide.
Eni recently drilled a dry well in the Barents Sea, but the rig "Polar Pioneer" will drill several other exploration projects. At least nine exploration wells will be drilled in this year.
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 04.01.11 TGS signs Cooperation Agreement with DMNG in Arctic Region.
TGS has signed a three year sales, marketing and 2D seismic Cooperation Agreement with DalMorNefteGeophysica (DMNG) Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the Arctic region - east and west of the Bering Strait.
The Cooperation Agreement includes industry funded 2D operations performed in Russian waters during Q3 2010, which will serve as a foundation for additional work in 2011 and 2012.
"It is important for TGS to return to the Arctic region and add data coverage in an area that is believed to hold huge hydrocarbon volumes. We have had a long and positive relationship with DMNG and are delighted to extend our relationship into additional high-quality projects in the Russian arctic," - commented Kjell E. Trommestad, VP and General Director Europe for TGS.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 31.12.10 Norwegian Petroleum Directorate reviews exploration activity in 2010.
During 2010, 45 exploration wells were spudded, and 40 were completed. Also, two wells have been put on hold, and it is not yet clarified whether they will be spudded before the New Year.
The number of wells concurs with the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate's forecast presented in January 2010. It was then estimated that between 40 and 50 exploration wells would be drilled by the end of the year.
Of the 45 spudded wells, 35 are wildcat wells, while the remaining ten are appraisal wells. Thirty-two of the exploration wells were drilled in the North Sea, 12 in the Norwegian Sea and one in the Barents Sea.
Statoil Petroleum and Det norske oljeselskap have been the most active drillers, with nine exploration wells each. They were followed by Lundin Norge with five and Talisman Energy Norge with four wells. BG Norge and A/S Norske Shell have both drilled three wells, while Centrica Resources, RWE Dea Norge and Wintershall Norge have drilled two. ConocoPhillips, Eni Norge, ExxonMobil, Nexen Exploration Norge, Petro-Canada Norge and Total E&P Norge have all drilled one well each.
Of the 40 completed wells, 31 are wildcat wells and nine are appraisal wells. In the completed wells, 16 hydrocarbons discoveries were recorded, yielding a success rate of approx. 51 per cent.
Ten of the discoveries were made in the North Sea and six in the Norwegian Sea. The spudded exploration well in the Barents Sea has not yet been completed.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 31.12.10 North Sea 3D acquisition Award.
Bergen Oilfield Services AS announced that have signed a contract with LOTOS Exploration and Production Norge AS, acting as Operator on behalf of the License Group in PL 503, of a 1563 sqkm acquisition program of 3D Seismic Data in the area of PL 503 in the southern part of the North Sea.
The survey will be acquired during the summer of 2011 by one of the BOS 3D vessel available in the North Sea this summer.
VP Marketing and Sales in BOS, Jan S Sovik, in an announcement states that "BOS is very pleased to be selected by LOTOS to perform this 3D program in the North Sea and we are truly looking forward to be visiting the North Sea again with our vessels. Recent awards indicate that the North Sea may be looking forward to another active seismic year."
Source: BOS

ХХХ 31.12.10 Falklands seismic to start.
Argos Resources has confirmed plans for a new seismic acquisition programme in the North Falklands Basin which is to be acquired by the newbuild Polarcus Asima survey ship. London-listed Argos Ц which describes the North Falklands Basin as an "emerging gas basin" says the Polarcus Asima is now in transit to the Falkland Islands and is expected to arrive in the company's 100%-operated PL001 licence area to commence the survey as part of a wider programme in the first half of January.
Argos is planning for the Polarcus ship to acquire 3D data over the entire PL001 licence area, which covers approximately 1,126 square kilometres, and additional 3D data over open acreage north of the licence.
Argos has previously indicated, based on 2D seismic data, that its licence area contains seven prospects and five leads with a total unrisked potential of up to 747 million barrels of prospective recoverable resource, and up to 1.75 billion barrels in an upside case.
Rockhopper Exploration and Desire Petroleum will also be using the ship for further surveys in their respective licence areas.
Ian Thomson, Argos chairman, said the survey should be complete within the austral summer weather window, "....allowing us the possibility to commence exploration drilling as early as the fourth quarter of 2011," - Thomson suggested.
"УExtending the 3D programme into open acreage to the north will provide full 3D coverage of the Johnson gas discovery," - he added, continuing: 'It will also ensure that any prospects that might extend beyond the licence boundary have full 3D coverage, and it will provide a low cost opportunity to look for additional prospectivity in the northerly continuation of the basin."
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 23.12.10 Bergen Oilfield Services announced new 2D Multiclient Survey in Africa acquiring early 2011.
BOS signed an agreement with authorities from Senegal, Gambia, AGC, Guinea Bissau and Guinea Conakry to acquire, process and promote a new 2D long offset multi client data set for the purpose of promoting better understanding of the MSGBC Basin.
More and more E & P companies are showing keen interest for the North West Africa Atlantic Margin region and these companies are looking to improve the understanding of this specific petroleum system and invest in future exploration.
This new 2011 multiclient consists of a high quality regional program of 15,000 2D km lines from Senegal all the way to Guinea Conakry and has been designed in conjunction with expert G& G input from EGL.
The BOS NWAAM survey will provide a new high quality geophysical data base, totally unconstrained by National Boundaries thus providing exploration companies with a first chance to gain a unique regional overview of one of AfricaТs last relatively unexplored shelf areas.
The NWAAM survey will encourage current licensees to re-evaluate existing interests in a regional context, as well as discovering new exploration leads.
Investing in the BOS NWAAM survey will also give potential new explorers to the region the opportunity for a rapid evaluation of the region at a low entry-cost.
Source: BOS

ХХХ 22.12.10 TGS Announces its First Multi-client 3D Survey in Indonesia.
TGS will commence a new multi-client 3D survey in the Tarakan Basin, offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia in the Celebes Sea. The survey, TBN10, is the first ever multi-client 3D survey for TGS in Indonesia waters and will cover in excess of 1,600 km2. The data will be acquired by the M/V Seisquest and will commence before the end of this year, with acquisition expected to complete in Q1 2011.
The TBN10 survey will be conducted over the highly prospective and extensive play fairway which includes a recent gas discovery. The new 3D seismic will provide improved stratigraphic and structural resolution of the Tarakan sub-basin, leading to a better understanding of its petroleum system and a much clearer definition of the numerous leads and prospects already identified on existing 2D seismic in the area.
"TGS is particularly excited to announce this new 3D program, stated CEO Robert Hobbs. The company has built significant experience in this region through our long-term investment in data that informs our customers about the potential of this frontier region. This 3D project confirms the further maturation of this important hydrocarbon province."
The TBN10 multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding and also supports the Indonesia government's overall objective to attract exploration and raise declining production levels.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 21.12.10 Shell and EMGS launch Joint Industry Project.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA and Shell have entered into a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to plan and design the next generation of 3D EM equipment. Over the next six months the two companies will, in close collaboration, conduct a feasibility study that includes laboratory tests, design solutions, specifications and a project plan for the development of the next generation of source, receivers and positioning system.
"Customer-driven product development is at the heart of our technology strategy. As the clear technology and market leader, we have a commitment to lead the way on tomorrow's EM system. We are delighted to team up again with Shell, one of the most experienced users of EM technology," says Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer.
Shell was one of the first companies to realise the potential of integrating EM with seismic and other data, and the company has contracted for approximately 100 EM surveys over the last eight years.
"We are very pleased to be working with EMGS to take CSEM, already a significant exploration technology for Shell, to the next level. We believe the next-generation system will at least double the number of hydrocarbon prospects we can evaluate with EM," says Mark Rosenquist, EM Team Lead at Shell Exploration and Production Inc, Exploration Research.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 17.12.10 CGGVeritas Enters Seismic Venture for Vietnam.
CGGVeritas has signed a term sheet with Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) to create a 2D/3D marine joint venture to operate 2D and 3D marine seismic vessels, primarily in Vietnamese waters.
The joint venture will provide seismic data acquisition services for the oil and gas clients operating locally in Vietnam and the region.
Jean-Georges Malcor CEO of CGGVeritas, said: "Strengthening long term relationships with our clients is an important priority for CGGVeritas. This marine Joint Venture with Petrovietnam further materializes the well established long term cooperation between our two companies that is founded on technology and a deep knowledge of the local geological content.
The full breadth of CGGVeritas will support this joint venture focusing on developing seismic marine acquisition and processing solutions dedicated to the Vietnamese offshore exploration challenges."
Source: CGGVeritas

ХХХ 16.12.10 Around 100,000 square kilometres of new exploration territory near Jan Mayen island are to be made available offshore Norway with a new move from the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.
As a first stage an impact assessment has been launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for consultation and it is expected to be followed by a new open licensing round later.
Petroleum activity requires an offensive strategy, the MPE has stated and the new round will form part of an Integrated Management Plan for the far north of Norway, the government has indicated. "Commencement of the opening processes with a view to opening of new exploration areas and the granting of licenses, is one of several key measures required to achieve such a goal. The opening process for petroleum in the waters around Jan Mayen is thus important," declared Minister of Petroleuma nd Energy Terje Riis Johansen.
Jan Mayen lies is the Arctic Ocean, 600 kilometres (375 miles) northeast of Greenland and 500 km (312 miles) east of central Greenland and 1,000 km (625 miles) west of NorwayТs North Cape.
Today the island is used as a long range navigation (Loran) radio and weather station with a population of just 16 in the winter which doubles to around 35 during the summer.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 14.12.10 UK Helicopter Tracking Systems Launched.
Oil & Gas UK and NATS, the UKТs air navigation service provider, announced the worldТs first operational use of wide area multilateration technology for tracking offshore flights.
Helicopters in transit to and from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea are now visible to air traffic controllers from takeoff to landing, increasing the safety of helicopter traffic and efficiency of rescue operations.
Multilateration uses signal transmitters and receivers fitted to offshore oil and gas platforms to track helicopters at a much greater range than radars. Previously, helicopters would be lost to shore-based radars 80 miles from land; this new system follows flights from runway to platform in real time.
This information allows air traffic controllers to keep safe separation between helicopters operating around the platforms and provides vital details on helicoptersТ locations in the event of an emergency.
The system uses signal transmitters and receivers fitted to 16 offshore oil and gas platforms (four clusters of four platforms) in the central area of the North Sea, to track and identify individual helicopters across 25,000 square miles of sea, in real time.
When a helicopter leaves the 80 mile shore-based radar zone, its transponder responds to an interrogation signal sent from a platform, which is then sent back and detected by receivers on each of the four platforms in a cluster. Only three signals need to be received in order to provide a position for the helicopter, but the fourth signal both increases accuracy and gives some redundancy should a signal not be received. The data is then sent to the control tower at Aberdeen Airport where it provides real-time information for the controllers.
The offshore industry Helicopter Task Group was instrumental in helping to expedite delivery of the multilateration system. The project began in 2004 and was officially unveiled last year. Since then, successful flight trials have taken place, the system optimised and training undertaken by Air Traffic Control staff. The multilateration system went live on 11 December 2010.
Source: "Oil & Gas UK"

ХХХ 10.12.10 TGS Announces Multi-client 3D Survey in Benin.
TGS will commence a multi-client 3D survey Offshore Benin in blocks 5 and 6. This project covers roughly 4,000 km2 in the deep water area of Benin. Data acquisition will commence in January 2011 and is expected to be completed in Q2 2011. This project is the second in a series of surveys along the African Transform Margin, following the Gambia project announced on 5 October 2010. Specialized data processing will be done at TGS' imaging center in Houston, TX.
The Benin multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 10.12.10 First DP training facility on mainland Australia opens for business.
A state-of-the-art dynamic positioning (DP) training facility featuring an extensive simulator suite developed by Kongsberg Maritime was opened in Northbridge, Western Australia on 22nd November 2010.
Owned and run by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), the new facility is ideally positioned to serve the growing Western Australia oil and gas business from its centre in Perth.
"Prior to opening our first DP Operator Training Facility in Tasmania last year, which is also based on Kongsberg Maritime DP simulators, Australian trainees would have to travel to Europe or the US for DP courses, so we are delighted to be expanding our capacity for DP training already," said John Foster, AMC's Chief Executive Officer.
"The new facility strengthens our ability to support the demand for skilled DP operators by providing high quality training using serving DP officers as instructors and sophisticated simulators able to exactly mimic the operation and maintenance of complex DP systems."
The Kongsberg Maritime simulator installation at the new AMC facility in Perth includes the K-POS Basic DP trainer for classroom arrangement, complete with four DP models and the K-POS Advanced DP trainer with instructor station and dual redundant DP control system complete with four DP models.
All of the equipment has been designed and delivered in accordance with the Nautical Institute requirements.
Source: Kongsberg Maritime

ХХХ 10.12.10 Marlink provides flexibility to GC Rieber Shipping.
Marlink, the global provider of maritime satellite communications, is to provide its innovative Sealink(TM) VSAT service to GC Rieber Shipping, a global operator of vessels within the subsea, polar expedition and marine seismic segments.
As part of the new 3 year contract, Marlink will deliver and install its dual 9797 C/Ku-band Sealink(TM) antennas onboard five existing vessels and five new build vessels.
arlink's dual 9797 antennas will ensure both C-band and Ku-band coverage is available to GC Rieber Shipping, ensuring the company is able to offer customers onboard its vessels exceptional flexibility and value. Tom Christian Tveita, ICT Consultant, GC Rieber AS explains: "The availability of a robust satellite communications solution is critical for us to efficiently relay customer data ashore. The flexibility of Marlink's Sealink(TM) VSAT ensures that we are able to swiftly switch from C-band to Ku-band to satisfy our customers' demands, allowing us to offer the optimal solution for cost, coverage and stability."
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 08.12.10 Searcher Seismic signs multi-client cooperation agreement with Polarcus.
Searcher Seismic Pty. Ltd. Has signed a multi-client cooperation agreement with Polarcus Limited, to jointly develop and license marine 3D multi-client acquisition projects across Australia and Indonesia. The exclusive agreement is intended to see the development of highly funded multi-client projects to complement potential future contract operations in the strategic Asia-Pacific market. The companies will offer these high quality projects for data licensing substantially by leveraging SearcherТs extensive client network within the region.
Searcher Seismic is the largest independent multi-client company in Australia with a reputation for delivering the highest quality multi-client projects. Searcher has a proven track record in bringing to market industry-leading 2D and 3D multi-client projects in Southeast Asia and Australia.
Polarcus is a pure play marine geophysical company with a pioneering environmental agenda, specialising in high-end towed streamer data acquisition from Pole to Pole. Polarcus is launching a fleet of modern 3D seismic vessels using the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOWо design and incorporating advanced maritime technologies for improved operational efficiency with a reduced environmental footprint. Polarcus offers contract seismic surveys and multi-client projects worldwide.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 06.12.10 Veritas Viking charter extended.
Eidesvik Offshore has announced that CGGVeritas has, through it subsidiary Exploration Investment Resources II AS, declared an option and extended its contract for the seismic vessel Veritas Viking for three years, stating in May 2011.
The owner of the vessel is Eidesvik Shipping AS, a subsidiary of Eidesvik Offshore ASA.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 04.12.10 Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd expands Browse 2D acquisition program.
Searcher Seismic, in conjunction with its project partner Seabird Exploration has expanded its ongoing 2D acquisition program in the Browse Basin, Australia. The Vampire West 2D non-exclusive survey comprises an additional 1,500km of long-offset 2D data and is being acquired in the highly prospective and under explored Outer Browse area. The data acquisition program comprising the Vampire West survey is supported by industry prefunding and covers approximately 9,000sqkm of prospective open acreage.
The Browse Basin is set to become a major hydrocarbon-producing region, with over 42 Tcf of gas and 844 MMbl of liquids discovered in the basin to date. Three major development projects are currently in the planning stages and additional recent exploration successes confirm substantial remaining potential.
"Searcher has rapidly expanded our multi-client database in the Browse Basin over the past 12 months and now offers the preeminent non-exclusive data coverage in the basin with a combination of well tie acquisition, 2D and 3D reprocessing. Working closely with industry we have created a package that not only gives existing operators an improved understanding of the basin but will also help unlock its remaining potential", stated Alan Hopping, General Manager, Searcher Seismic.
Data from the Browse Acquisition program will be available for clients Q2-2011.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 03.12.10 EMGS contract award extends BOA Galatea's backlog in Asia.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has been awarded a contract worth USD 4 million to perform several 3D EM surveys in Asia. Data acquisition will start in early January from the vessel BOA Galatea, following completion of a work programme for Woodside in Australia. The contract is expected to be completed within 30 days.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 29.11.10 TGS Notes 2nd Seismic Survey Offshore Indonesia.
TGS announced a second 2D seismic survey offshore Indonesia Southwest Sumatra (SMi10) in the forearc basin along the Sundaland Margin. The survey will add 2,700 km of new 2D data to infill the existing 6,900 km of multi-client data acquired in 2009.
The previous seismic in the area has revealed a thick sequence of potential reservoir and source rock in the Mentawai-Bengkulu forearc basins, confirmed by a large gravity anomaly. The newest SMi10 project will aid in mapping three unique seismically defined plays along this trend.
Data acquisition of the SMi10 survey is underway with the MV Northern Explorer and is expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2010. The resulting grid of modern 2D data will enable companies to evaluate blocks recently announced by Migas in the 2010 Second Bid Round, with additional blocks in Southwest Sumatra expected to be announced in subsequent bid rounds during 2011.
TGS maintains the industry's largest multi-client data library in Indonesia. Upon completion of the SMi10 survey, the library will include 115,000 km of 2D seismic, 400,000 km of multi-beam bathymetric data and 1,200 core samples covering over one million km2 of Indonesia's deep water basins.
The survey is supported by industry pre-funding and also supports the Indonesia government's overall objective to attract exploration and raise declining production levels.
Source: TGS-NOPEC

ХХХ 22.11.10 Ulstein Group confirms deal to build seismic vessels.
Ulstein Group in Norway has confirmed that Polarcus has awarded Ulstein Verft a contract to build two SX134 seismic vessels.
The owner has previously built several vessels designed by Ulstein, all with the X-BOW hull.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 18.11.10 Polarcus orders two new high-end 3D seismic vessels.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has signed shipbuilding contracts for two additional high-end 3D seismic vessels for delivery in the first half of 2012. The Company is simultaneously launching an equity issue of USD 65 million through a private placement to partly finance the new vessels' total estimated project capital expenditure of USD 168 million per vessel.
"This new order for two further high-end 3D seismic vessels underscores our commitment to be the new seismic major," commented Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus. "We have been able to take maximum advantage of the current availability of yard slots to execute shipbuilding contracts on highly favorable payment terms and to secure beneficial delivery times of the newbuilds. We have furthermore taken the strategic decision to build these vessels in Norway to avail ourselves of significant and advantageous financing from the Norwegian Institution for Export Financing, Eksportfinans ASA".
"Both newbuilds are of the same proven design as our existing POLARCUS ASIMA and POLARCUS ALIMA vessels. They also incorporate some additional advanced capabilities, including the ability to tow up to 14 streamers, which will position these vessels firmly in the most active 12 to 14 streamer market segment, thereby maximizing vessel operating profitability" continued Ronningen. "Their timely delivery in the first half of 2012 will place Polarcus in pole position to ride a sector recovery."
The announcement increases the size of the Company's high-end 3D seismic fleet to seven vessels, with a corresponding projected increase in market share to approximately 13% after delivery in 2012.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 16.11.10 PGS Raises Funds to Renew, Expand Fleet.
Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) has decided to effect a private placement, directed towards professional Norwegian and international investors. The private placement comprises of up to 19,799,998 new shares, with the price to be determined through an accelerated book-building process.
The equity issue is initiated in connection with the launching of a program to renew and expand PGS' industry leading fleet of seismic vessels by building two fifth generation Ramform vessels. The Company expects that the new vessels will cost approximately USD 250 million each, including construction follow-up, commissioning and a comprehensive seismic package.
The Company expects that the yard contract will include the option for two further identical vessels. PGS is currently in discussions with several qualified yards and expects to enter into a final contract early 2011. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in Q1 2013 with the second vessel expected to be delivered one year later.
PGS has chosen to raise funds by means of an equity issue in order to maintain its robust financial profile and strategic flexibility. This will ensure that the Company is positioned to proactively manage any period of weakness in the seismic market and finance the new build program and any subsequent exercising of options for additional vessels.
PGS President and CEO, Jon Erik Reinhardsen commented: "Our decision to renew and expand our fleet comes at a time when we expect growth in seismic demand. We are electing to raise equity to preserve our financial strength and strategic flexibility. We are dedicated to deliver shareholder value from this investment through increased earnings and introduction of a dividend program."
These fifth generation Ramform vessels will further enhance PGS' position as a leader in 3D seismic acquisition productivity and efficiency. The vessels are designed to utilize and extract the full potential from the flagship GeoStreamerо technology. PGS expects that all of its 3D fleet will be equipped with GeoStreamer by end 2013.
The vessel design is based on the demonstrated strengths of the current Ramform fleet, while improving capabilities along a number of key parameters. The new vessels will include a significantly upgraded GeoStreamer based seismic package and are designed to take the full benefits of the GeoStreamer towing efficiency. The vessels will further strengthen PGS' leading position in the fast growing High Density segment of the market, where large spreads, long streamers and towing efficiency are the key success factors.
The High Density segments are driven by deep water exploration and production in geologically complex areas such as Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. Our GeoStreamer technology is also opening up new markets in mature basins, such as the North Sea, where the higher fidelity data can reveal new geological plays.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 14.11.10 Shell awards EMGS contract offshore Philippines.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has been awarded a contract worth in excess of USD 2 million by the block SC60 joint venture, which is operated by Shell Philippines Exploration BV. The work will be performed shortly from the 3D EM vessel BOA Galatea. This vessel is now fully booked for the remainder of the fourth quarter 2010.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 12.11.10 Successful completion of large 2D survey offshore OMAN.
BOS ATLANTIC has successfully completed the hi-end long offset 2D acquisition and processing program offshore Oman with excellent performance. The program was completed on time and on budget and the Ministry of Oil and Gas in Oman, the client, expressed their appreciation to all involved with the success of the offshore operations.
In just over 2 months of very efficient acquisition the BOS ATLANTIC acquired more than 8000 km of full fold long offset data through Block 59 ranging from shallow to deepwater areas.
Following QC and some pre processing on board the full DP sequence is now underway in the BOS DP office in Bergen. Close contact with Omani G&G specialists and the BOS Interpretation partner will ensure that the Omani exploration efforts will be seriously enhanced by this new campaign.
This is the one of the first "steel to seismic image" projects to come to fruition, the first of many and proof that BOS is becoming a recognized provider of the very best geophysical services globally.
Source: BOS

ХХХ 08.11.10 Kongsberg to deliver Integrated Systems for new NERC Research Vessel.
Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Freire Shipyard for the supply of a comprehensive integrated systems package to be installed aboard an advanced research vessel currently under construction at the Spanish shipbuilders Vigo yard for the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
The new vessel is being built as a high technology replacement for NERC's RRS Discovery, which has been in service since the early 1960s. The new 100m vessel, also called RRS Discovery has been designed by Skipsteknisk AS in Norway and is due for completion summer 2013, at a total project cost of GBP75 million. Within the scientific community, the new RRS Discovery is seen as state-of-the-art in terms of design and functionality.
A suite of cutting-edge hydroacoustic instruments accounts for approx. 80% of the Kongsberg Maritime systems destined for the new RRS Discovery. In close co-operation with NERC, high levels of integration have been developed across the entire package, which includes:
Hydrography - Deepwater Multibeam EM122 (1x1 deg), medium water wideband Multibeam EM710 (2x2 deg), single-beam EA600 and for geophysics applications, sub-bottom profiler SBP120.
Fishery Research - Simrad EK60 scientific multi-frequency echosounder.
Integration - K-Sync synchronizing unit.
Navigation - K- Bridge Integrated Bridge System.
Dynamic Positioning - K-Pos and C-Joy with DP1 (AM).
Video - Marine CCTV system.
"Kongsberg Maritime will become more than a systems supplier for RRS Discovery as we will work closely with the shipyard and NERC during the entire project," comments Vicente Carrasco (Subsea Dept, Simrad Spain SL.), Kongsberg Maritime. "We are providing a dedicated Project Management service and the combined NERC and Kongsberg Maritime development of the systems for RRS Discovery is an exciting prospect for the entire team."
Kongsberg Maritime has also supplied hydrography systems to another research vessel in production at Freire Shipyard, for owner Qatar University. Kongsberg Maritime is a highly regarded supplier of integrated systems to technologically advanced research vessels. Projects include extensive system packages for NERC's RRS James Cook, the T-AGS 60 class survey vessels operated by the US Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), and in 2010 the National Science Foundation's Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV), R/V Sikuliaq and the US Coast Guard's high latitude research dedicated icebreaker Healy.
"We have provided systems to many of the most advanced research vessels, and in conjunction with technically oriented organisations like NERC, we have developed a wealth of knowledge on research systems and integration," continues Peter Bennett, Sales Manager Hydrography (UK and Ireland). "By drawing on this extensive experience from previous projects and by working in partnership with NERC, the RRS Discovery will become a highly sophisticated and effective tool for scientific research."
Source: Kongsberg Maritime

ХХХ 05.11.10 Searcher Seismic announce the commencement of the Vampire 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey.
Searcher Seismic Pty Ltd in conjunction with its project partner Seabird Exploration is pleased to announce that the Vampire 2D Non-Exclusive Seismic Survey commenced acquisition on the 2nd of November 2010 utilising the seismic vessel the M/V Aquila Explorer.
The Vampire 2D Seismic Survey is planned to acquire 8,000 km of 2D long-offset seismic data, with an 8km streamer and 4,230cu inch source, in a regional well-tie survey over the highly prospective Browse Basin, offshore North Western Australia. The survey is designed to tie 39 recent wells and is oriented favourably to the regional structural trends in the Browse Basin.
The Browse Basin is set to become a major hydrocarbon-producing region, with over 42 Tcf of gas and 844 MMbl of liquids discovered in the basin to date. Three major development projects are currently in the planning stages and additional recent exploration successes confirm substantial remaining potential.
The data will be acquired during late 2010 and completion is expected in early 2011 and has been well received via industry pre-participation.
The data will be processed at Fugro in Perth.
Source: Searcher Seismic

ХХХ 05.11.10 DOF Subsea Norway AS has been awarded a cable route survey contract by Statnett SF.
The contract covers geophysical survey and geotechnical sampling in the Hardanger Fjord.
The work will be executed from Geograph. The estimated duration of the work is 25 days with commencement late October.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 05.11.10 Offshore O&G workers to carry VHF locator beacons during helicopter transfers.
Mobilarm has secured a significant new contract to supply its VHF Locator Beacons to Bristow Helicopters Australia (part of the Bristow Group) as the sole contractor to BHP Billiton Petroleum for offshore personnel transfers by helicopter in Australia. In the initial order, Mobilarm will supply 50 of its innovative V100 VHF beacons for integration into the RFD Beaufort MK28 lifejackets to be worn by all BHP Billiton Petroleum personnel during transfers to offshore platforms in the Western Australian North West region.
In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, the use of Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) is mandatory for all offshore helicopter transfers, with approximately 5,000 PLBs in use throughout the offshore oil and gas industry per day. Although mandatory use is not stipulated in Australia, BHP is keen to ensure the highest standards of safety are achieved and has become the first Australian company to insist on the use of marine-based PLBs for its employees transferring to offshore platforms by helicopter.
The Mobilarm beacon purchase comes as a result of a major test of emergency response systems conducted by BHP Petroleum off Exmouth, Western Australia earlier this year as reported in the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) September newsletter. The two emergency response exercises, both involving offshore helicopter-based scenarios, were designed to test various aspects of the Operator's emergency response and marine capability including recovery and response times and the use of PLB technology.
The goal of both scenarios was to test response times against the Operator's Search and Rescue Performance Standards and to assess the search and rescue competencies of participants, equipment, systems and processes. Subsequent to the exercise, an Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Search and Rescue Working Group has been formed to investigate a consortium approach with other Exmouth Sub-basin Operators, furthering the establishment of a standby emergency rescue and recovery vessel and opportunities for mutual support in emergency events.
"BHP's initiative to implement marine based PLBs represents a significant development in personnel safety for offshore helicopter transfers in Australia," comments Lindsay Lyon, CEO of the Perth, Western Australia based Mobilarm. "While the aircraft is legally required to carry 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transponders (ELT), like 406 MHz EPIRBs, these devices only provide the location of the downed aircraft, not the individual escaped personnel. The significant advantage of the Mobilarm V100 VHF Locator Beacon over ELT and EPIRBs is its unique ability to alert local rescue assets directly and provide those already closest to the incident with the location and tracking data of each and every crash survivor."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 03.11.10 GC Rieber Shipping has an ongoing newbuilding programme related to fleet renewal.
GC Rieber Shipping's newbuilding programme encompasses five newbuildings with a total investment of approximately NOK 1.9 billion. Three subsea newbuildings and two high-capacity seismic newbuildings are expected to be delivered in the time period from Q1 2011 up to Q1 2012.
The two IMR/CSV newbuildings 702 and 703 are being built at the Freire yard in Vigo, Spain. The total investment in the vessels (100 % owned by GC Rieber Shipping) is expected to be slightly below NOK 800 million and is funded through equity and a long term mortgage loan of USD 107 million. Building no. 702 is expected to be operative from early 2011, while delivery for building no. 703 is expected post-Summer 2011. Both vessels attract solid interest in the market and GC Rieber Shipping evaluates several employment alternatives for both newbuildings.
The two high-capacity seismic newbuildings 532 and 533 are owned by the 65% owned subsidiary Armada Seismic ASA and are being built at the Factorias Vulcano yard in Vigo, Spain. The total investment in the vessels is expected to reach NOK 850 million plus and is financed through equity and a long term mortgage loan of USD 90 million, which may be increased to USD 112 million providing long term employment. Armada Seismic took delivery of building no. 532 in June 2010. The vessel will be upgraded to a capacity of 12-14 streamers and the upgrade is expected to be complete in February/March 2011. The progress on building no. 533 has been limited, pending clarification concerning the financial situation of Factorias Vulcanos. The yard informs that it has initiated debt restructure proceedings and at the same time negotiating with the regional government and the shipyard association Pymar regarding pre-delivery financing for building no. 533. Based on a quick and positive clarification of the pre-delivery financing, we expect delivery of building no. 533 in the first quarter 2012. The vessels attract solid interest in the market and GC Rieber Shipping evaluates several employment alternatives for both 532 and 533.
Furthermore, GC Rieber Shipping has entered into an agreement with Otto Marine ("Otto") concerning dissolution of the two 51/49 % owned joint venture companies Polar Marine I and Polar Marine II. Polar Marine I and II originally owned four newbuildings (building no. 7037-7040 but during 2009 newbuilding 7037 and 7038 were cancelled due to substantial delays at the yard.
According to the agreement with Otto, the joint ventures will be dissolved and Otto takes ownership of the vessels 7037, 7038 and 7039. At the same time the arbitrations related to 7037 and 7038 are withdrawn with no costs for GC Rieber Shipping. GC Rieber Shipping takes ownership of the IMR vessel 7040, with a total investment of slightly below NOK 300 million and contractual delivery at the end of February 2011.
Source: GC Rieber Shipping

ХХХ 02.11.10 Fugro Starts Major Multi-client Survey in the Netherlands.
Fugro Multi Client Services has started the NL-DEF-3d multi-client survey in the Netherlands. This major multi-client 3D survey, is designed to provide modern 3D long offset seismic data to boost exploration in the Dutch D, E and F blocks of the North Sea. The survey is covering over 6,000 sq.km extending from the UK until the German offshore border.
The survey is located in an under-explored part of the Dutch Offshore where 3D long cable seismic is lacking. The survey will provide new geological information and hydrocarbon concepts that might reduce exploration risks in the area. EBN is the first company that purchased a licence for the entire survey. This is part of their mission to establish 30 bcm of annual gas production from small fields in the Netherlands in 2030. EBN participates in many exploration and production licences in the Dutch Offshore and Onshore and is wholly-owned by the Dutch State.
Source: Oilnews

ХХХ 01.11.10 Polarcus secures 100% contract backlog through Q1 2011.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received two Letters of Intent for a combined minimum work program of 3,550 square kilometers offshore Southwest Africa, with the high potential for the program to expand to 5,000 square kilometers.
The two separate Letters of Intent require the deployment of two 3D seismic vessels, Polarcus Naila and Polarcus Samur, to work on three separate projects. The full program, subject to the execution of two separate service contracts, is expected to run for the equivalent of five vessel months and additionally sees the first contract work for Polarcus Samur that will transit to Southwest Africa directly from the shipyard after delivery end Q4 2010.
Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus, said: "We are very pleased that this program will see the debut of Polarcus Samur, our fourth 3D seismic vessel, capable of deploying an 8 by 6,000m spread. We look forward to demonstrating the operational capabilities of both Polarcus Naila and Polarcus Samur on this exciting program."
As a result of this announcement Polarcus has now secured 100% contract backlog for the Company's available fleet capacity through Q1 2011.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 29.10.10 The Allure of the Seas delivered from Turku Shipyard.
The world's largest and most innovative cruise ship the Allure of the Seas was delivered by STX's Turku Shipyard to the American shipowners Royal Caribbean International. Allure of the Seas is the sister ship of Oasis of the Seas delivered a year ago.
The delivery agreement was signed on 2 April 2007, and production was launched on 4 February 2008. The keel laying of the Allure of the Seas started on 2 December 2008, and the vessel was launched for the first time on 20 November 2009.
The Allure of the Seas is 361 m in length, with a maximum breadth of 66 m and height from sea level of 72 m. The gross tonnage of the ship is 225,000, while its maximum capacity is 6,360 passengers and 2,100 crew. The ship features 16 passenger decks and 2,704 staterooms. The total power output of the ship's engines is 97,000 kW, giving a cruise speed of 22 knots. The Allure of the Seas will cruise on the Caribbean Sea, and its home port will be Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
The Allure of the Seas offers an enormous selection of activities and experiences. It features numerous new restaurants and shops. The novelty of the Allure of the Seas is a 3D movie theatre. As a special feature, the cruiser has the first onboard interactive gallery and sales outlet of pop artist Romero Britto.
With regard to Finnish exports, the Allure of the Seas is extremely important. The Oasis class cruise ships are the most expensive individual export products ever delivered from Finland. It has been calculated that the Allure of the Seas project has provided the shipyard and the maritime cluster a total of 12,000 man-years worth of employment.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 28.10.10 Operations are underway at the FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis, the first definitive production system installed in the Tupi area, in the Santos Basin pre-salt cluster, reported Petrobras.
The FPSO is initially connected to the RJS-660 well, which will undergo technical testing until the Declaration of Commerciality (DC) is made for the field, slated for late December, when the process of interconnecting it to other producing wells will be completed and the Tupi area will enter the production development phase.
It is installed in an area near the FPSO Cidade de Sao Vicente, which has been performing the Extended Well Test (TLD) for Tupi since May of last year and has already produced about seven million barrels of oil. The pilot system, whose activities will begin after the DC, will complement the technical data collected by the TLD with critical information about the reservoir and the production. These data are essential to design the future units that will operate in the pre-salt. It will also contribute both to improve the well construction and subsea production collection projects, and to assess how different recovery methods (oil extraction) perform in the reservoir.
The unit will produce light, high commercial value oil and will kick-off the final Tupi production system, which will collect basic technical information for the development of large accumulations of oil discovered in recent years in that sedimentary basin.
The consortium that is undertaking the production in the BMS-11 block, where the Tupi oil accumulation is located, is formed by Petrobras, which is the operator, holding 65% of exploration rights, BG Group (25%), and Galp Energia (10%).
With the completion of the TLD and the drilling of additional exploratory wells, Petrobras will send the Final Assessment Report for the Tupi area, together with the Declaration of Commerciality for the field, to the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).
To date, nine wells have already been drilled in that accumulation, with excellent results for the company. The ninth exploratory well, completed last week, confirms the field's high light oil and natural gas recovery potential, which the company estimates between 5 and 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This well also proved that the oil accumulation not only extends to the far south of the Assessment Plan area, but also that the oil-bearing reservoir is about 128 meters thick, reducing hydrocarbon volume estimate uncertainties in the area. Two more wells are scheduled to be drilled by late December.
The FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis, chartered from Modec, is moored at a water depth of 2,149 meters and is capable of producing up to 100,000 barrels of oil and to process up to five million cubic meters of gas per day. At the peak of production, six oil-producing wells, a gas injector well, a water injector, and another injector that can inject water and gas, alternately, will be connected to the vessel.
The oil that is produced will be transferred to land on shuttle tankers. The gas will be separated from the oil in the FPSO'S facilities. A part may be used for on board power generation, while there will be two uses for production surplus: it may be reinjected into the oil reservoir in the production process or exported to shore via a gas pipeline that will connect the FPSO to the Mexilhao platform, which operates a gas field in shallow waters in the same basin. From Mexilhao, the gas will flow to the Monteiro Lobato Gas Treatment Unit, which is currently under construction in the city of Caraguatatuba (state of Sao Paulo), to be treated before being shipped off to the consumer market.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 27.10.10 Desire Petroleum has signed a deal to acquire new 3D seismic data.
Desire has now inked a previously disclosed deal with Polarcus for marine seismic acquisition services and will be using the survey ship Polarcus Nadia for the acquisition programme, which will cover three tranches of acreage in the North FalklandТs basin.
Polarcus will acquire data over Tranches C and D not previously covered by 3D data, along with most of Tranche F, ".. to ensure that the east flank fan play fairway, on Desire acreage, has complete coverage," Desire stated today.
Also Polarcus will acquire data over the northern section of Tranche I and adjacent areas in the North Falklands basin.
Data processing will be tendered separately and Monarch Geophysical Services has been kept on by Desire to provide specialised acquisition and processing supervision during the new acquisition programme.
And Rockhopper Exploration has signed a similar deal with Polarcus for its own survey work to capture savings on the costs of mobilising and demobilising the survey ship.
Polarcus Nadia is due to start work on the data acquisition programme in December and the survey is expected to be complete by the end of April next year.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 26.10.10 Statoil to commence new exploration drilling in the Barents Sea.
"Having tested our oil spill preparedness plans ahead of the imminent drilling operations in the Barents Sea, we can now confirm that they perform as planned", says Knut Harald Nygard, Statoil's new exploration manager for the Barents Sea.
The three operators, Statoil, Eni and Lundin, together with NOFO (Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies) and local task forces jointly planned and carried out an extensive oil spill response drill on Soroya in West Finnmark.
"We're very experienced when it comes to exploration in the Barents Sea and are keen to test out our emergency response plans before embarking on a new exploration campaign with Eni and Lundin. It's important to ensure that the cooperation between the companies, NOFO and local task forces works really well before we commence drilling. We are pleased to have achieved our goals for the drill", says Nygard.
Drill leader Torun Maseide states that all planned drill elements were carried out and that the companies involved are satisfied with the results.
"We have verified that we meet all requirements in our emergency plans", says Maseide.
In addition to NOFO's four ocean going collection systems, consisting of a total 11 vessels with containment booms and collection devices, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and inter-municipal oil spill protection agency in Mid and North Troms supplied personnel and resources for cleaning up the oil along the coast.
The three operator companies will shortly commence four exploration wells in the Barents Sea, the first of which will be drilled by Eni. Statoil will then drill two wells and Lundin one, the first exploration wells drilled in the Barents Sea since 2008. The mobile rig Polar Pioneer will be used on all of them.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 25.10.10 New PGS GeoStreamer program in Angola.
PGS, in conjunction with Sonangol, is about to start acquisition of a large new MultiClient 2D program in AngolaТs Kwanza Basin.
The survey which already has industry pre-funding will use a long offset configuration and PGS GeoStreamer broadband technology to map 10,000 kilometers of the pre-salt in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins, where multiple pre-salt targets have been identified.
This same technology combination was successfully employed to unlock the pre-salt territory on the Brazil side of the Atlantic margin.
Source: PGS

ХХХ 22.10.10 Successful completion Fugro 3D Survey Offshore Alaska.
Fugro-Geoteam is proud to announce the successful completion of a large 3D survey, offshore Alaska in the Chukchi Sea. The project was conducted for Statoil E&P USA Inc., by the M/V Geo Celtic, during the relatively brief ice-free season, and resulted in the recording of over 2600 square kilometers in 40 days.
This high level of production combined with minimal loss of time, zero infill and no environmental incidents, was the result of extensive planning, preparation, and close-cooperation between all parties. FugroТs personnel and facilities located in Anchorage were also utilised throughout the duration of the project, providing local support, expertise and resources.
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 21.10.10 Polarcus secures 100% Q4 backlog on Letter of Intent from Eni for 4D seismic acquisition.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company, in association with its partner Sonar Limited, has received a Letter of Intent from Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited for a combined 190 square kilometer 4D seismic acquisition "monitor" survey and a 30 square kilometer 4D undershoot project over block OML 125, offshore Nigeria.
"We are very pleased to have been entrusted by Eni with this important 4D project and the associated undershoot," commented Rolf Ronningen, CEO Polarcus. "This latest LOI, our fourth this month alone, means that our seismic fleet is now fully contracted for the remainder of 2010, a very positive milestone that we attribute in part to our expanding track record and an increasing recognition across the industry of our operational capabilities."
Sonar Limited's Vice Chairman Robert Bakre commented, "In line with Sonar's vision to constantly add value through enhanced technology deliverables to our clients in Nigeria, Sonar along with its partner Polarcus are pleased at this opportunity to work for Eni Nigeria on the ABO field. We will again use this opportunity to meet our Nigerian Content Development Plans."
The program, to be acquired by Polarcus Naila, will commence upon completion of the vessel's current operations and is expected to run for approximately 45 days. As a result of this announcement Polarcus has now secured 100% contract backlog for the Company's available fleet capacity in Q4 2010.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 21.10.10 New seismic data is to be acquired over the North Falklands Basin by explorer Argos Resources under a new contract which has just been signed.
Argos has contracted Polarcus Limited for the use of the Polarcus Asima to acquire a "substantial" 3D survey covering the company's entire acreage in PL001, as well as adjacent areas. Surveying is expected to take up t0 50 days commencing in early January next year.
Earlier this month Polarcus signalled it had secured deals for up to three months of work off South America with the Polarcus Asima survey ship which is due to commence the work on completion of its current commitment in the Black Sea.
Argos says it expects to issue a separate tender shortly for the processing of the acquired seismic data, although Monarch Geophysical Services has been retained to provide acquisition and processing supervision services during the entire 3D project.
Another North Falklands explorer, Rockhopper Exploration, has signed an identical contract with Polarcus, allowing the two companies to share the Polarcus Asima for seismic acquisition down in the South Atlantic.
Rockhopper will acquire data over licences PL032 and Pl033 Ц which were not previously defined by 3D data.
"At the time of our listing in July 2010, we stated that it was our aim to secure a seismic vessel to commence shooting in the austral summer of late 2010/early 2011, allowing the possibility to commence exploration drilling as early as the fourth quarter of 2011," - said Ian Thomson, chairman of Argos.
"Signing this contract secures the front end of this timetable. The MV Polarcus Asima is a state-of-the-art vessel which should ensure an efficient seismic acquisition programme."
Thomson underlined that the simultaneous deal between Rockhopper and Polarcus will allow both Argos and Rockhopper to share mobilisation and de-mobilisation costs for the vessel, and realise technical and cost-efficiences from a larger seismic programme.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 20.10.10 EMGS contract award extends BOA Galatea's backlog in Asia.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has been awarded a USD 1 million contract to undertake a survey for a supermajor. The work will be performed from the 3D EM vessel BOA Galatea. It will be undertaken en route from Malaysia, where the vessel is currently performing a shallow water survey, to Australia, where a joint Fugro-EMGS project is to be conducted for Woodside.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 20.10.10 PGS deploys its first vessel with eBird.
Kongsberg Seatex, has through the introduction of the eBird redefined lateral steering within the seismic industry for streamer control. eBird was launched just last year and will now be deployed in full scale on a PGS vessel.
PGS has signed a contract with Kongsberg Seatex AS for use of eBird on a Ramform vessel equipped with its latest 3D GeoStreamer technology. GeoStreamer is PGS' proprietary and the seismic industry's first multi-component towed streamer system, providing improved data quality, broader bandwidth, reduced noise, increased weather window and greater operational efficiency.
"PGS has over the past years carried out extensive functional and reliability testing of the Kongsberg eBird system to verify it meets our stringent product qualification standards and operational requirements. eBird has fulfilled our expectations and we are now outfitting our first Ramform vessel with a full eBird installation in line with our strategy to standardize on eBird as the primary system for controlling our GeoStreamer 3D and 4D spreads," says Nils Lunde, Head of Marine Engineering at Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS).
eBird is a novel bird solution for lateral, vertical and roll streamer control in marine seismic acquisition that enables fault tolerant and efficient multi streamer steering by employing a wide range of innovative and patented technological solutions. The eBird technology is developed in close cooperation with PGS, which has also validated the use of eBird in seismic data acquisition production.
eBird complements the wide range of solutions provided to the seismic industry by Kongsberg Seatex including SeatrackTM and RADius tail-buoy and gun-float tracking, Seapath advanced positioning and precise heading solutions, MRU and VMM attitude determination systems, HMS 100 helideck monitoring and AIS 200 Automatic Identification System. Further, Kongsberg Maritime provides a range of solutions for advanced vessel navigation and control together with AUVs and acoustic systems.
"The launch of eBird received substantial interest from the seismic industry, and we are very satisfied to see that PGS will utilise our eBird in its 3D seismic operations. With the increasing demand for streamer steering for more efficient marine operations and for emerging concepts such as 4D seismic we are confident that eBird is on the right track for the future," says Gard Ueland, President of Kongsberg Seatex AS.
Source: Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 19.10.10 EMGS awarded shallow water survey in Asia.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA has been awarded a shallow water survey in Malaysia worth more than USD 2.5 million by a major oil company. These contract revenues will be recognised in the fourth quarter of 2010. The 3D EM survey is currently underway using the vessel BOA Galatea.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 18.10.10 WesternGeco commences industry's first Dual Coil Shooting survey.
WesternGeco has begun the acquisition of the Revolution multiclient survey. Revolution marks the first time that Dual Coil Shooting multivessel full-azimuth acquisition has been performed commercially in the industry worldwide.
Located in the East Breaks and Garden Banks areas of the Western Gulf of Mexico, the Revolution multiclient survey will provide full-azimuth (FAZ) coverage for over 130 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks.
"We are encouraged by the initial images derived from Revolution, our first Dual Coil survey. The ultra long offsets combined with full-azimuth illumination enables significant imaging uplift in the Gulf of Mexico's complex subsalt structures," - said Thomas Scoulios, North America region manager, WesternGeco. "We are pleased with the commitments from multiple underwriters who are helping to direct this project's success."
Building on multi- and wide-azimuth techniques, the FAZ Dual Coil Shooting is a new, advanced method of acquiring ultra long offset marine seismic data using four vessels following a circular path. This acquisition provides better target illumination in challenging environments by enabling greater azimuthal coverage and a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Dual Coil Shooting technology is possible due to the capabilities of the Q-Marine point-receiver seismic system.
WesternGeco will apply the latest seismic data processing techniques to this survey, including true-azimuth 3D Generalized Surface Multiple Prediction (3D GSMP) and anisotropic reverse time migration (RTM).
Source: WesternGeco

ХХХ 15.10.10 Research vessel Akademik Fedorov returned to Arkhangelsk.
The Russian scientific research vessel Akademik Fedorov has returned to Russia after a nearly three months long study of the Arctic boundaries of the Russian Continental Shelf. The vessel came to Arkhangelsk on Thursday after what has been said to be the largest Russian expedition in ten years time.
The main purpose of the expedition was to get a relief of the sea bottom in order to prove that the underwater Arctic ridges Lomonosov and Mendeleyev are geological continuations of the Russian continental shelf. If Russia can prove this, the country will get the right to exploit the enormous oil and gas fields in the triangle Chukotka-Murmansk-North Pole.
Russia plans to submit a new application to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in the beginning of 2014.
- The data gathered by Akademik Fedorov will contribute that the Russian Continental Shelf will be expanded with 1.2 million square kilometers, said Head of the Federal Agency of Mineral Resouces (Rosnedra) Anatoly Ledovskikh when welcoming Akademik Fedorov.
As BarentsObserver reported, Russia has allocated 35 million EUR to Arctic research missions in 2010-2011.
Source: BarentsObserver

ХХХ 14.10.10 Polarcus Asima commences production
Polarcus Limited has confirmed that after a successful mobilization, the seismic vessel Polarcus Asima has entered into production on her first project in the Russian sector of the Black Sea.
The contract is a previously announced 2,069km2 3D seismic acquisition project that the Polarcus/JSC Dalmorneftegeophysica (DMNG) partnership entered into with Rosneft.
The survey is being acquired with a 12 streamer seismic array, each streamer being 6,000m long and with 100m separation between streamers.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 14.10.10 Spectrum processes Bahamas Petroleum CompanyТs Bahamas Survey.
Spectrum recently completed the successful acquisition of long offset data for Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) in the southern blocks of Bahamas waters close to the border with Cuba, and seismic data processing is currently underway at its Houston Data Processing and Imaging Centre.
Previous data in the area are from the 1980Тs, using FK demultiple and post stack migration technology. Modern acquisition and processing techniques are proving effective in providing significant improvement in the quality and resolution of the data.
A combination of 2D Surface Related Multiple Elimination (SRME) to attenuate water bottom related multiples and High Resolution Radon demultiple to attenuate faster interbed multiples has been used. These techniques have been successful in minimizing multiples in this dataset. The data also benefited from specialist noise reduction using SpectrumТs proprietary NoiseRM process.
Previous data in this area used only post stack migration, but for the new data two passes of Kirchhoff Pre Stack Time migration have been used: The first pass to produce a migration velocity field with analysis every 1 km, and the second pass to finally migrate the data more accurately. Subsequently, a final velocity analysis was run on this migrated data to provide a final stacking velocity.
Source: Spectrum

ХХХ 12.10.10 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for 3D seismic acquisition.
Polarcus Limited announced today that the Company has received a Letter of Intent for a 3D seismic acquisition project estimated at up to three months duration. The project, presently assigned to Polarcus Asima, will commence upon completion of the vessel's current operations in the Black Sea.
As a result of this announcement, the third such Letter of Intent reported to date in October 2010, Polarcus has now secured 85% contract backlog for the Company's available fleet capacity in Q4 and 45% contract backlog for Q1 2011.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 08.10.10 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for large 3D seismic acquisition program.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent for a series of consecutive 3D seismic acquisition projects offshore South America. The minimum program duration is estimated at three and a half months, with the potential to expand to five months.
Further, pursuant to the earlier announced notifications regarding the Seismic Charter Agreement between Polarcus and TGS (latest notification dated 25 February 2010), the Company has duly notified TGS of the aforementioned Letter of Intent and TGS has determined not to exercise their Right of First Refusal for a second and final 6 month extension to the charter. Accordingly the Company has formally accepted the referenced Letter of Intent.
The program will be acquired by Polarcus Nadia upon completion of the vessel's current charter period with TGS in mid-November 2010 and is subject to the execution of a service contract.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 07.10.10 DNV to investigate Deepwater Horizon blowout preventer.
DNV has been contracted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of the departments of the Interior and Homeland Security for the forensic examination of the blowout preventer (BOP) and lower marine riser package that was fitted to the Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico, the site of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and oil spill.
The BOP, a 50 foot - 300 ton assembly has been raised and taken to NASA's secure facility in Michoud, Lousiana where it is in the custody of the JIT. Chain of custody and evidence preservation protocols to ensure the proper handling of all evidentiary material have been in effect since the BOP was first retrieved in August.
The final forensic testing protocol will be developed by DNV, in consultation with various commercial, academic, and governmental organizations, and will be approved by the JIT prior to the start of testing.
DNV is utilizing its forensic investigation expertise from the Columbus, Ohio office and its subsea equipment (BOP) expertise from the Houston, Texas office in the project.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 07.10.10 EMGS awarded Shetland survey by TOTAL and DONG.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA today signed a contract worth approximately USD 1.5 million with Total E&P UK Ltd and DONG Energy to acquire 3D electromagnetic (EM) data in the West of Shetland area on the UK Continental Shelf. Total has established a significant portfolio of exploration and development interests in this area and the 3D EM data acquired by EMGS will be used to de-risk a hydrocarbon prospect.
The 3D EM survey has already started using EMGS's mobile acquisition set deployed from the vessel Siem Mollie, thereby extending the charter on this vessel from 1 to 21 October.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Total. The new direct contract award follows a successful 3D EM survey in 2009. The previous survey evaluated its mature North Sea Frigg field to facilitate decommissioning decisions. The two contracts demonstrate the value, which companies such as Total recognise, that EMGS can deliver across the exploration and production life cycle."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 06.10.10 TGS announced its first new multi-client 3D survey, Offshore Gambia.
This project covers 2,500 km2 in the deep water area of Gambia. TGS has chartered the M/V Geo-Caribbean as previously mentioned in a press release on 12 July 2010, to acquire the data. This project is the first of a series of surveys in the African Transform Margin. The Geo-Caribbean is a modern 3D vessel that will tow twelve (12) long offset streamers on this project. Specialized data processing will be done at TGS' imaging center in Houston, TX. The Gambia multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 06.10.10 Hyperdynamics provides update on Republic of Guinea 3D seismic survey.
Hyperdynamics Corporation reports the completion of the first portion of its 3D seismic survey in the Company's offshore concession in the Republic of Guinea. This portion of the offshore survey covers 2,760 square kilometers of a total planned 2010 survey of 3,635 square kilometers.
The survey was acquired by the PGS seismic vessel Challenger, which completed the project on October 2 after 57 days of work. Initial views of the seismic data from the vessel (which are used for quality control) demonstrate increased energy penetration and resolution compared to earlier surveys. The seismic data from the first portion of the survey is being processed by PGS in Houston. The second and final acquisition phase of the 3D seismic survey - 875 square kilometers in an area located about 75 kilometers west of the first survey area - will be acquired by the PGS seismic vessel Viking starting on or about October 5, 2010. This second data acquisition phase is expected to last approximately one month.
Ray Leonard, the President and CEO of Hyperdynamics, commented, "Our initial look at the data coming off the Challenger supports our expectation of superior data quality from a boat with 12 streamers and Geostreamer technology. The entire survey needs to be acquired and processed before the results can be applied to a final evaluation of the prospects. However, everything is on track to complete the survey around the end of October and process the data on our predicted timeline."
Hyperdynamics operates the offshore Guinea concession with a 77 percent interest. Aberdeen-based Dana Petroleum has a 23 percent stake.
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 06.10.10 EMGS provides status on Barents Sea multi-client sales.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA announced that it has secured late-sales worth approximately USD 4 million for its multi-client 3D EM data in the Barents Sea, ahead of Norway's 21st exploration licensing round. These revenues will be recognised in the third quarter of 2010.
Industry pre-funding and late-sales year-to-date totals approximately USD 10 million, of which USD 6 million were recognised in the second quarter of 2010.
EMGS's multi-client data library in the Barents Sea covers more than 16,000 km2 of workstation-ready 3D EM data that can be integrated with other subsurface measurements for immediate analysis and evaluation of potentially prospective areas. Further sales in the form of late-sales and contractual uplifts are expected.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 05.10.10 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent for 3D seismic acquisition.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company has received a Letter of Intent from an independent oil & gas exploration and production company for an estimated 1,200 square kilometer 3D seismic acquisition project offshore West Africa.
The project, to be acquired by Polarcus Naila, will commence upon completion of the vessel's confirmed backlog and is expected to run for approximately one month.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 04.10.10 Another ship successfully through Northeast Passage.
The ferry Georg Ots has successfully made it through the Northeast Passage, Russian maritime authorities confirm.
The Georg Ots left Sankt Petersburg on 28 August with Vladivostok as its destination. On 26 September the vessel arrived in the port of Anadyr in Chukotka. It proceeded on 30 September and is expected to arrive in Vladivostok on October 10. The ship is expected also to make a stop in Petropavlovsk at Kamchatka.
The ship was accopanied through the Northern Sea Route by nuclear-powered icebreakers, the Russian Sea and Port Agency (Rosmorport) informs.
Georg Ots has been operating in the Baltic Sea ever since it was built in Poland in 1980, the last years on the route Baltiisk-Sankt Petersburg. The ferry will now start a new life in Vladivostok. In addition to regular sailing in the area, the ship will also be used in connection with the summit of the Asian-Pacific Cooperation in 2012.
Source: BarentsObserver

ХХХ 04.10.10 Itar-Tass news agency says the Shtokman Development Company will make a final decision on the huge Barents Sea project next year.
Citing a deputy director of Shtokman Development AG, Kirill Molodtsov, the Russian news agency said the company will finalise the field's development decision in 2011, according to indications given during an Arctic Shelf conference which opened in Murmansk.
"This decision will be of major importance not only for the present, but also for future generations of Russians, therefore it is very important not to make a mistake now", - Molodtsov was quoted as saying.
"ThatТs why we are so thoroughly studying experience of related organisations of Western countries, first of all Norway and France that have rich experience in the construction and exploitation of oil and natural gas enterprises in the conditions of extremely low temperatures", - the project deputy declared.
According to Itar-Tass, Shtokman Development AG will make a final decision on the offshore project scope for Shtokman by next March, and on the onshore scope Ц which involves the construction of a new LNG plant at a greenfield site at Teriberka, near Murmansk, by the end of next year.
Among the participants at the conference were Jan Helge Skogen, head of Statoil's Norwegian-Russian joint venture, and Pierre Nerguararian, head of Total's Russian operations, who were both said to have shared their project experiences with conference participants.
"Agreements on cooperation in the Arctic sea signed at a recent meeting in Murmansk between the Russian President and Norwegian Prime Minister open up new possibilities for the expansion of cooperation in the Arctic", - Skogen was reported as saying.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 01.10.10 Polarcus Asima commences production.
Polarcus Limited announced that after a successful mobilization the seismic vessel Polarcus Asima has now entered into production on her first project in the Russian sector of the Black Sea.
The contract is the previously announced 2,069 square kilometer 3D seismic acquisition project that the Polarcus/JSC Dalmorneftegeophysica (DMNG) partnership entered into with Rosneft.
The survey is being acquired with a 12 streamer seismic array, each streamer being 6,000 meters long and with 100 meters separation between streamers.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 29.09.10 Russia will soon be ready to start production at its first offshore oil field in the Arctic, the Prirazlomnoye field in the Pechora Sea.
The Prirazlomnoye field, which is located in the eastern part of the Pechora Sea about 60 km north of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, is due to be put production early next year, license holder Gazprom Dobycha Shelf confirms to Prime-Tass. The project, which has been delayed for a number of years, will be RussiaТs first Arctic offshore hydrocarbon field in production.
After many years of construction at the Sevmash yard in Severodvinsk, northern Russia, the ice-protected platform with the same name Ц Prirazlomnaya Ц is now finally getting ready for operations. According to a press release from the yard, the platform will in November this year be towed to Murmansk where the last pieces of equipment will be installed. Then, the platform will be sent to its destination in the Pechora Sea.
Source: BarentsObserver

ХХХ 27.09.10 European countries that are members of OSPAR have rejected an Atlantic deepwater offshore drilling ban proposed by Germany, according the media reports.
The proposal was withdrawn from the OSPAR Commission meeting this week in Bergen, Norway due to pressure oil-producing countries and OSPAR members Norway, Denmark and Britain.
A spokesperson for Norway's Environmental Ministry has said that OSPAR will wait until the outcome of reports on the cause of the Deepwater Horizon incident in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico before a decision is made on Atlantic deepwater drilling offshore Europe. The Deepwater Horizon accident has prompted Norway and other countries to examine its drilling and safety regulations to prevent a similar incident from happening elsewhere.
OSPAR is an organization of 15 European governments that cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic.
The 15 member governments are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 24.09.10 Bergen Oilfield Services wins Reliance 3D contract.
The BOS Arctic is on the move to India to commence work for Reliance. The work will last for 4 months and presents the BOS Arctic and her crew with their first challenge in Asia.
Source: BOS

ХХХ 24.09.10 GibraltarТs Gibdock shipyard has successfully completed a challenging maintenance and upgrade programme on the 6430 bhp DP2 class ROV/subsea PSV Toisa Vigilant.
The 2005-built, 3,426 dwt vessel spent over three weeks at the yard in July and August this year for a diverse package of works.
John Taylor, Gibdock production director, said: "This project was essentially two contracts in one as we carried out separate jobs for the owner, Sealion and charterer, WesternGeco, in parallel."
For Sealion, Gibdock undertook a series of conventional docking works, including the extensive overhaul of the MAK 8L26 main engines, the two bow thrusters and two stern thrusters.
In addition the yard refurbished and repaired other parts of the vessel, including the sea valves, cranes and lifeboats, while also painting the underwater areas of the hull.
Main engine and thruster components were removed from Toisa Vigilant and taken to GibdockТs workshops, where an inspection, calibration and full overhaul was carried out, before being returned to the vessel.
Said Mr Taylor: "This was the most challenging part of the project as we only had a limited time in which to complete work to the main engines and thrusters. We worked two shifts in parallel to make sure we got the job done in the time frame specified by the owner."
Charterer WesternGeco contracted Gibdock to replace equipment onboard used as part of experimental seabed scanning systems. A section of deck was cropped, a transformer unit weighing around 20 tonnes was removed and a new unit installed in its place. Deck areas were reinstated, a protective cage installed around the transformer unit and additional ladders and rails fitted.
In addition Gibdock and WesternGeco worked together to develop a solution to a problem with the antenna cable, which had a tendency to get caught up when being deployed.
Mr Taylor said: "WesternGeco had some ideas which we were able to develop further. As a result we manufactured and installed a new roller-based system to prevent the antenna cable from snagging in future."
Both WesternGeco and Sealion expressed themselves to be very happy with the works carried out. Indeed, WesternGeco has since booked in a vessel on its own account. The seismic survey ship Western Trident entered Gibdock for an extensive package of works in late August, and Gibdock's managing director, Joe Corvelli, said that the offshore vessel segment is a key target market for the yard.
"The Toisa Vigilant contract shows we can carry out work to complex offshore vessels on time and on budget."
"Over the next few years the offshore vessel market is going to be an increasingly important one for the yard, given ongoing developments in the Mediterranean region, and this project shows we have the capabilities to meet very demanding client requirements in this sector."
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 23.09.10 The Australian oil and gas company Woodside has awarded Fugro a CSEM contract.
The acquisition part of the contract is worth in excess of USD 2 million. The survey will take place in the North West Shelf offshore Australia in the fourth quarter of 2010. The acquisition part of the contract will be subcontracted to Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA, using the 3D EM vessel BOA Galatea.
- Fugro and EMGS look forward to executing the first proprietary contract under the Fugro-EMGS alliance and jointly adding value to Woodside's exploration program in this highly prospective area, Fugro says in a press release.
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 22.09.10 Polarcus Samur upgraded to 8 streamer capacity.
Polarcus Limited announced that the Company is upgrading Polarcus Samur from the current 6 streamer arrangement to an 8 streamer configuration. The upgrade will enable the Company to take advantage of the evolving seismic market environment and provide the flexibility to tender the vessel on a larger number of contracts. This will have a positive effect on the vessel's revenue generating capabilities that are projected to increase by an additional 25%. The Company's design studies have determined that the upgrade can be undertaken with a vessel CAPEX increase of only 2.5%, or USD 3 million, and with no material change to the present guided delivery date of end Q4 2010.
After the upgrade, to be undertaken at the Drydocks World - Dubai shipyard, prior to delivery of the vessel, Polarcus Samur will be capable of deploying up to 8 streamers each of 6,000m length, or 6 streamers each of 8,000m length, with lateral streamer separations of between 25 and 200 meters. The additional 14 kilometers of streamer required for the new configuration has been ordered under the Company's existing vendor lease facility.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 21.09.10 BGP adds BGP Explorer to fleet.
After more than six-month's conversion, a new member of BGP's Fleet, the BGP Explorer, has been successfully launched in Tanggu, China.
The vessel is equipped with the Sercel Sentinel Solid streamer, ION DigiCourse compass, DigiRANGE acoustic cable positioning and DigiFin cable lateral control, ION Integrated Navigation System (INS), Veripos DGPS and SeaTrack rGPS, Sercel G-Gun(II) and ProMax QC system.
The BGP Explorer is capable of conducting 2D and small 3D marine seismic surveys towing one to four streamers (1x 12 km, 2x 8 km, 3x 6 km or 4x 3 km). Her first survey has started in Indonesia.
BGP has extensive experiences in shallow water, undershooting and other severe environments. We believe that the BGP Explorer can provide our clients excellent service in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner.
Source: BGP

ХХХ 21.09.10 Extends Aker Barents charter.
Det norske has signed a charter for Aker Barents with Aker Drilling from July 2012 to July 2014.
The current rig contract expires in 2012. The contract is expected to cover Det Norske's rig capacity in the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea.
"Endeavours will be made to meet the need for rig capacity in more mature areas of the continental shelf by chartering rigs on a well to well basis, or by participating in consortiums," the company says in a statement.
The contract stipulates a day rate varying from USD 450.000 to 550.000 dependent on water depth and where it is deployed. The contract includes an option for two more years.
Det norske has recently signed agreements for sub-chartering Aker Barents at higher rates than the company will pay for the rig after 2012.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 21.09.10 Fugro to conduct Rosebank Field Development survey.
Chevron North Sea Ltd, as operator of the Rosebank discovery on behalf of its coventurers Statoil (UK) Ltd, OMV (UK) Ltd and DONG E&P (UK) Ltd has contracted Fugro Survey Limited of Aberdeen, UK to undertake geophysical, geotechnical and environmental surveys for the potential Rosebank development project in UKCS blocks 205/1, 213/26 and 213/27, West of Shetland.
Fugro will use one of its specialist autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs, Echo Surveyor 1, to provide precise engineering grade shallow geophysical data (multibeam echosounder, sidescan sonar, subbottom profiler) in water depths down to 1,200m.
The use of AUV technology is normally associated with deep water developments in other parts of the globe and, while Fugro has previously conducted small AUV surveys in North West Europe, this is the first time that AUV technology will be used for a major UK deepwater project.
Fugro is providing two of its dedicated survey vessels, Geo Prospector and Fugro Discovery, for this project.
In addition to the geophysical data acquired from the AUV, Fugro will also collect seabed samples using a 6m piston corer and a box corer. In-situ piezo-cone penetration tests for soil stability will also be undertaken, using Fugro developed equipment.
Further geotechnical laboratory analysis of samples will be undertaken in a specialist onshore Fugro facility.
Sidescan sonar survey by AUV is an efficient method of habitat assessment in deep water and the onboard analysis of this data will guide the environmental survey.
High resolution colour photographs will be taken and the seabed soils sampled. Laboratory based analysis for chemistry, trace metals and benthic fauna identification will be undertaken by Fugro.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 21.09.10 Fugro Galaxy taking shape.
FugroТs second newbuild survey vessel, Fugro Galaxy, is taking shape at FassmerТs shipbuilding yard in Bremen, Germany.
Fugro Galaxy is the second of FugroТs FSSV 65 series vessels built by Fassmer and is scheduled for delivery in February 2011.
The first vessel, Fugro Searcher, was delivered on budget and ahead of schedule and commissioned in March of 2010.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 20.09.10 TGS Updates 2010/2011 Offshore Africa Seismic Campaign.
TGS announced that Sonangol has advised TGS that the negotiated right for TGS to acquire multi-client programs in Angola was terminated. TGS will continue to work with Sonangol to identify future business opportunities in Angola.
"While we are disappointed that we will not be working in Angola in the near term, we look forward to being a part of future regional seismic campaigns in Angola" said Robert Hobbs, CEO of TGS.
Although the termination will have a limited negative effect on revenues for Q3 and Q4, TGS has received industry funding and is well positioned to expand its 3D coverage in the Africa Transform Margin region where it plans to conduct multiple surveys with the Fugro Geo-Caribbean.
This vessel, originally expected for delivery in early September, has been delayed and will be available for TGS in late September for the Africa Transform Margin work. This region has been an active area for TGS in the past few years. To date the TGS Library has more than 20,000 km2 of multi-client 3D data in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 17.09.10 Norwegian Petroleum Directorate: Many companies interested in exploring in mature areas.
A preliminary count reveals that 41 companies have applied for acreage in the 2010 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA 2010).
This result shows that interest remains high in awards in predefined areas in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea, even though much of this area has been previously awarded and explored. About 30% more applications have been received in APA 2010 compared with last year. "Mature areas on the Norwegian shelf are interesting, particularly for the smaller oil companies," says Sissel Eriksen, the NPDТs director responsible for exploration.
Proximity to existing facilities allows faster and more profitable development of small discoveries compared with developments in less mature areas of the shelf. The high price of oil in recent years is also a major contributing factor to the high level of exploration activity.
Most of the companies that applied in APA 2009 have also submitted applications this year.
At the application deadline on 15 September, companies could apply for a total of 81,500 km2, distributed among 302 blocks. This is a substantial increase compared with APA 2009. This is because the predefined area in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea was expanded by more than 22,600 km2 in a total of 63 blocks or parts of blocks, compared with the area in APA 2009.
In addition, significant acreage was relinquished within the APA area in the last year, and this was included in the area the companies could apply for.
In APA 2009, the authorities received applications from 44 companies for an area totalling 55,319 km2. Of this, 8,256 km2 was awarded in early 2010.
The APA scheme contributes to better and faster exploration of mature areas on the Norwegian shelf. Several new players with new ideas and new exploration targets have yielded a number of new discoveries in mature areas of the Norwegian shelf. The scheme also ensures that the industry has regular access to prospective acreage, and that acreage is relinquished faster and made available for new players.
The awards will take place in late 2010/early 2011.
Source: NPD

ХХХ 16.09.10 EMGS awarded contract extension worth minimum USD 3 million in Asia.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA announced that it has been awarded a contract extension worth a minimum of USD 3 million in Asia.
This contract is a continuation of the previously announced global 3D EM campaign for a major oil company, the first part of which was a survey performed in the Caribbean in the first quarter of 2010. This campaign totals approximately USD 15 million to date, including the contract extension which will start shortly using the vessel BOA Galatea. It is expected that this 3D EM survey will be completed in mid-October.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 15.09.10 Russia and Norway signed a deal on Wednesday to delimitate their maritime border after 40 years of negotiations.
The document was signed after talks between Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the northern Russian city of Murmansk.
Medvedev said the treaty would "open a new page in bilateral relations" and boost cooperation in the energy and fishing sectors.
"This event should influence the general situation in the region, strengthen the regime of international and regional security and improve further cooperation between the Arctic states," Medvedev said, adding that the parliaments of the two states would ratify the treaty simultaneously.
Russia and Norway have been disputing the 175,000 square km area in the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean since 1970. The absence of defined maritime border often resulted in detentions of fishing vessels in the region.
The deal is expected to boost energy cooperation between the two countries, as it paves the way for the lifting of a 30-year-long moratorium on oil and gas extraction in the disputed zone.
A source in the presidential administration said the deal was important for supporting Russia's claim to extend its Arctic continental shelf area beyond the 200-mile limit.
"Undoubtedly, this treaty will make a substantial contribution to strengthening the legal regime in the Arctic, based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to supporting the atmosphere of peace and cooperation there," the official said.
He said that according to the treaty "every deposit, crossed by the demarcation line, may be used only jointly and as a single entity."
"This approach deals with possible disputes about hydrocarbon resources effectively and in advance," the official said.
International Environmental Organization WWF Russia also welcomed the deal.
"It is very important that the governments of Russia and Norway made nature preservation a priority above other aims and tasks while planning and carrying out industrial activity in the Barents Sea," said WWF Russia Conservation Programme Director Victoria Elias.
Source: RIA Novosti

ХХХ 15.09.10 Seismic sector picking up?
Seabrokers reports that Oslo-listed Petroleum Geo-Services, which currently operates 13 seismic vessels, is predicting a healthier market for the sector following last yearТs low levels of activity.
PGS Chief Executive Jon Erik Reinhardsen is quoted as saying he believes 2010 will be an all-time high in the number of square kilometres of survey acquired.
Tendering activity has increased considerably with the global value of seismic tenders in the second quarter estimated at US$1 billon compared to US$500 million in the same period last year.
Despite pressure from the arrival of new tonnage, PGS anticipates that the trend will be for demand to outpace supply in 2011 and 2012.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 14.09.10 15 orders for nuclear icebreaker assistance in 2011.
Operator of the Russian nuclear ice breaker fleet Atomflot has so far received 15 orders for icebreaker escort on the Northern Sea Route in 2011, General Director Vyacheslav Ruksha says.
The recent successful journey through the Northeast Passage by the tanker Baltica has opened the eyes of shipping companies and cargo owners to this route, Ruksha said at a conference in St. Petersburg.
Baltica left Murmansk on August 14 and reached Ninbo, China, on September 6. The tanker, loaded with 73 000 tons of gas condensate, spent 11 days on the journey from Murmansk to Pevek on the Chukotka Peninsula, 2500 nautical miles away.
RussiaТs largest shipping company Sovcomflot plans to send the 70 000 tons tanker Mikhail Ylyanov through the Northeast Passage in May 2011, according to Vyacheslav Ruksha. The company also plans to use Suezmax and Panamax class tankers on the route.
AtomflotТs nuclear icebreakers are currently escorting the Danish bulk carrier MV Nordic Barents, which is transporting iron ore from Kirkenes, Norway, to China.
Source: BarentsObserver/Maritime & Energy

ХХХ 13.09.10 Russian gas producer OAO Gazprom said Friday it has discovered a new gas field off the Sakhalin island in the country's Far East.
Gazprom plans exploration work over the next three years at the field, which is part of the Kirinsky block at the Sakhalin-3 project.
Reserves at the Sakhalin-3 project are estimated at 1.4 trillion cubic meters, of which 1 trillion are in the Kirinsky block.
Gazprom plans to start production from Kirinsky in 2014.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 13.09.10 Offshore air support services covering UK and Norway platforms have been landed by Bristow Group which could be worth US $1.3 Bn.
New York-listed Bristow Group said it has secured long-term contracts for 12 large helicopters for crew flights and other operations in the UK and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea and in Malaysia. Together the deals could be worth up to $1.3 Bn in revenue, Bristow said.
The work includes a new deal with IAC Ц the Integrated Aviation Consortium in the UK North Sea involving a new five-year contract with options for another five years, which will require the continued use of six Sikorsky S92 large helicopters originally brought into service in 2008.
Also Bristow says it will continue to provide airport management and fixed-wing services as part of the same deal.
In Norway, Bristow has secured a new 10-year deal with Statoil which will require three new Sikorsky S92s, and an additional backup S92, operating from Bergen commencing in 2012. This deal will augment existing Bristow services operating from Stavanger and Hammerfest, increasing the total size of the Bristow fleet in Norway to 15 helicopters.
Statoil first signalled this part of the deal at the end of August, saying three Sikorsky S92s will commence flying from Flesland airport starting next January.
And in Malaysia, the group has secured a two-year lease deal for three Eurocopter EC225 helicopters to a local operator, with technical management services, with options for up to 15years commencing in mid-2011.
At the beginning of this month Bristow commenced a new five-year contract serving BP installations in the UK Southern North Sea which was awarded back in March, using two Sikorsky S76C helicopters, worth $275 million, along with another flight contract in Brazil.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 10.09.10 STX Norway Offshore has entered into a new contract with Olympic Shipping for the building of an LNG powered Platform Supply Vessel.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in Q1 2012. The new vessel is designed by STX Norway Offshore Design in Alesund. The hull is to be built at Tulcea, Romania, and the vessel will be outfitted at Aukra. The vessel will be built according to the latest SPS regulations, which will give excellent stability under all weather conditions and the highest levels of security for the crew.
"We highly appreciate Olympic Shipping being back with us with another newbuilding project," said Roy Reite, President of STX Norway Offshore. "We look forward to working together with Stig Remoy and his team, and are very content with his choice of our new and innovative environmental friendly vessel."
Source: STX

ХХХ 09.09.10 Tower Resources Notes Completion of Seismic Survey in Namibia.
Tower Resources announced that the Namibian 3-D seismic survey, undertaken by the Geowave Master, was completed on September 6. The data quality is excellent and it is expected that processing and interpretation can be completed as planned in early 2011.
Processing of data gathered during the Uganda aero gravity gradiometry survey, which completed in mid June 2010, is near completion and a final interpretation is expected around the end of September when planning for a subsequent seismic survey can then be finalized.
Peter Kingston, Chairman of Tower Resources commented, "This update confirms that current operations are on schedule and that the quality of information being obtained is likely to enhance interpretation of both the Namibia and Uganda Licenses."
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 09.09.10 BP says no single factor caused the accident on the Deepwater Horizon rig in the US Gulf of Mexico in April.
Publishing the outcome of its own four-month internal investigation into the disaster April which was headed by BP's head of health and safety Mark Bly, the report highlighted six points which contributed to the disaster.
"A complex and interlinked series of mechanical failures, human judgements, engineering design, operational implementation and team interfaces," were responsible for the rig disaster BP concludes, which led to the world's worst oil spill.
Cement and shoe track barriers, and in particular cement slurry at the bottom of the Macondo well failed to contain oil and gas in the reservoir and allowed hydrocarbons to flow back up the well casing, BP stated.
Negative pressure tests were incorrectly accepted by both BP and rig contractor Transocean which owned the Deepwater Horizon which was leased to BP and was drilliing the Macondo deepwater well.
Perhaps critically, BP's report puts substantial blame on Transocean, saying: "Over a 40-minute period, the Transocean rig crew failed to recognise and act on the influx of hydrocarbons into the well until the hydrocarbons were in the riser and rapidly flowing to the surface," a BP statement on the outcome of the report says.
Furthermore after gas flowed up to the rig, it was diverted into a mud-gas separator, allowing gas to be vented on the rig rather than overboard, BP's investigation concludes.
BP's statement continues: "The flow of gas into the engine rooms through the ventilation system created a potential for ignition which the rigТs fire and gas system did not prevent."
"Even after explosion and fire had disabled its crew-operated controls, the rigТs blow-out preventer on the sea-bed should have activated automatically to seal the well. But it failed to operate, probably because critical components were not working."
Following on from this, BP will face massive compensation claims Ц up to GBP 13 Bn according to a BBC news report t Ц which will have to be decided by the US government.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 08.09.10 Barents border agreement final.
Just five months after Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and President Dmitri Medvedev announced the agreement regarding the Russian-Norwegian border of the Barents Sea, the signing of the agreement is now ready.
The prime minister's office announced the agreement of a new border between Norway and Russia will be signed in Murmansk 15, September. This means a final solution of the 40 year long negotiations regarding the so-called "Grey zone".
The 175.000 km2 large area has been a controversial one for a long time, both regarding to fishing and petroleum resources.
There has already been identified several petroleum resources in the area, the largest ones being Fedyn Arch, Kurchatovskaya, Oktyabarskaya, Varyazhkaya, Kolskaya and Rybachinskaya.
The oil companies also believe there are large resources in the area. According to figures by Akers Solutions' Mads Andersen, the eastern Barents Sea could contain as much as 62 million barrels of oil equivalents.
The signing of the agreement will be done by foreign ministers Jonas Gahr Store and Sergej Lavrov.
- I am pleased that we could sign this agreement so quickly. It is historical that after so many years of negotiations, we have now come to agreement in the most important question between Norway and Russia, says Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in a statement.
After signing, the agreement will be issued to Stortinget and the Russian duma for verification.
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 07.09.10 EMGS launches EDDA, a joint industry 3D EM project.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) announced that it has received industry funding for a joint project to accelerate the use of 3D EM data in exploration and production. The EDDA project involves acquiring state-of-the-art 3D EM data over known fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Data acquisition over the Linerle and Valkyrie fields has already started using EMGS's mobile acquisition set deployed on the vessel Siem Mollie. The vessel will subsequently acquire data over the Snohvit field, and it is expected that this survey will be completed by the end of September. Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented:
"EMGS has, over the last three years, developed new-generation 3D EM technology. This has triggered customer demand for high-quality, open 3D EM datasets that can be used to calibrate and integrate other geophysical data from well-documented fields.
"Data from this campaign will enable participating customers to develop the use of 3D EM data in various scenarios, from early exploration to improved oil recovery. It is, therefore, an important step in enhancing commercial adoption of our 3D EM technology. We are delighted that this project has generated considerable industry interest."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 06.09.10 Polarcus takes delivery of Polarcus Asima.
Polarcus Limited has announced that Polarcus Asima AS, part of the Polarcus Group, has taken delivery of Polarcus Asima, the third and most sophisticated 3D seismic vessel to date to join the Polarcus fleet.
The vessel was built at Drydocks World - Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and is transiting directly to the Black Sea to commence a charter for Rosneft.
Polarcus Asima is a purpose-built 12 streamer 3D seismic vessel of the latest ULSTEIN SX134 design and the largest vessel in the company's fleet with an overall length of 92m and a beam of 21m.
The company also describes Polarcus Asima as "the first true Arctic-ready 3D seismic vessel in the industry" with an ICE-1A class notation from DNV, double hull and an advanced ballast water treatment system that eliminates the risk of introducing invasive species into fragile ecosystems such as those found in the Arctic.
The vessel has a maximum speed of 15 knots and is capable of deploying 12 streamers of 9,000m length at 100m separation.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 26.08.10 CGGVeritas reports largest Marine Wide-Azimuth award.
CGGVeritas has been awarded by Pemex a more than 150M$ contract extension to acquire a 3D wide-azimuth (WAZ) program in the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico which will be extended to 18,000 square kilometers.
The total survey, which is above 200M$, will be the first WAZ contract of this scale in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.
It is expected to start in October 2010 for a period of 300 days. Two CGGVeritas 3D seismic vessels, the Vanquish and the Oceanic Vega, the new X-BOWо seismic vessel, as well as two source vessels, will be allocated to this significant wide-azimuth program in the Gulf of Mexico.
Jean-Georges Malcor, CEO of CGGVeritas, said: "Along with the successful collaboration between Pemex and CGGVeritas on our current multi-year marine program, we are very pleased to have been awarded this very important WAZ contract extension.
Our high-end fleet, with its combination of Sentinel solid streamers and Nautilus streamer steering devices, reinforced by our advanced imaging technology and our leading experience in wide-azimuth offshore operations will bring unique benefits to this new program. This award further confirms the technological leadership of CGGVeritas in addressing the needs of the expanding high-end technology segment of the seismic industry."
Source: Scandoil

ХХХ 26.08.10 Survey for Shtokman.
Bergen-based DOF Subsea has secured a significant deal to take forward the Barents Sea Shtokman gas and condensate development.
Shtokman Development AG has contracted DOF Subsea to carry out what it calls a "complementary offshore geotechnical survey" working with a partner, PeterGaz Ltd.
Staff in Bergen will be responsible for managing the project, which will include onshore testing, and reporting. Survey work is due to commence in September.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 18.07.10 Testing of BP's newly capped Gulf of Mexico oil well has been extended for a further 24 hours.
The US official in charge of the spill clean-up, Admiral Thad Allen, said the "integrity test" would not stop until Sunday afternoon.
He added that when the test ceased, containment of the spill using surface ships to collect oil would resume.
The new cap has managed to stop the flow of oil for the first time since the well exploded three months ago.
The flow of oil was shut off at 1425 local time (1925 GMT) on Thursday.
In a statement, Adm Allen said: "Based on the data and pressure readings compiled to date, the test has provided us with valuable information which will inform the procedure to kill the well and a better understanding of options for temporary shut-in during a hurricane.
"As we continue to see success in the temporary halt of oil from the leak, the US government and BP have agreed to allow the well integrity test to continue another 24 hours."
He added that at the end of the test, the surface ships resuming collection of leaking oil would have the capacity to take up to 80,000 barrels per day.
Source: BBC

ХХХ 15.07.10 TGS has commenced a new multi-client 3D survey in partnership with PGS.
This project, ESB10, covers an 1,100 km2 area in the East Shetland Basin area immediately west of the United Kingdom/Norway border.
Ramform Viking, operated by PGS, is acquiring this multi-client high density 3D survey, utilizing 16 streamers.
The project allows TGS and PGS to continue building a multi-client 3D grid south of the successful East Shetland Basin multi-client 3D project acquired in 2009 (ESB09).
The ESB10 multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding and data from the survey will be available for customers from Q2-2011.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 13.07.10 TGS charters additional vessel capacity for West Africa opportunities.
TGS has chartered additional vessel capacity to address its multi-client opportunities in West Africa. TGS has chartered Fugro's Geo Caribbean for approximately seven months to acquire multi-client programs in West Africa. The Geo Caribbean is a modern vessel capable of towing twelve long offset streamers. It is anticipated that TGS will take delivery of the vessel on or around 1 September 2010. It is anticipated that over 10,000 km2 of new 3D will be acquired under this new vessel charter.
"Over the last three years TGS has increased its 3D investments significantly in West Africa. In that period we have acquired over 21,000 km2 of 3D data in this promising region. We continue to see opportunities along the Africa transform margin as well as in the salt basins and see the charter of the Geo Caribbean as an opportunity to gain access to a world class 3D seismic vessel for utilization in a key exploration market," said Robert Hobbs, CEO of TGS. "TGS continues to be successful in diversifying its world-wide multi-client data portfolio and the charter of this impressive vessel will significantly further that effort," continued Hobbs.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 12.07.10 GEMS mobilises new survey vessel.
GEMS group in the UK has mobilised a new vessel, Aquarius, for the North Sea oil and gas and windfarm markets. With its overall length of 77m, Aquarius is equipped with multibeam and USBL equipment deployed through moonpools as well as a full range of geophysical and shallow geotechnical sampling equipment.
The vessel provides good seakeeping and excellent station-keeping for geotechnical and environmental seabed equipment and has low acoustic noise levels suitable for the aquisition of high quality, ultra high resolution seismic data.
The vessel has a full range of navigation, positioning, multi-beam and geophysical survey equipment and can also be mobilised with 48 or 96 channel high-res multi-channel capability.
Source: Offshore Shipping Online

ХХХ 09.07.10 PGS has been confirmed for a contract to carry out a seismic survey across the Irish Atlantic Margin region with the MV Ramform Vanguard.
San Leon Energy has selected PGS to acquire up to 300 sq. km of 3D seismic data across the Slyne Basin region off the west coast of Ireland, on acreage acquired with the takeover of Island Oil and Gas in May this year.
Ramform Vanguard is already preparing to sail to to Ireland and the survey is scheduled to commence later this month with completion targeted for the end of August.
San Leon has a 50% stake in the Slyne Basin acreage, with the remainder held by Lundin, and the survey is being provided by PGS under a seismic services agreement for work up to the value of $50 million.
Oisin Fanning, San Leon's chairman said: "The San Leon team have mobilised this significant seismic programme rapidly and it is the first work that we are carrying out on these assets; which we only acquired in May through the acquisition of Island Oil and Gas."
And he continued: "The Atlantic margin is an exciting area for us and one that John Buggenhagen, our Vice President of Exploration, considers to have the potential that the North Sea had some forty years ago."
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 09.07.10 CGG Veritas has taken delivery of a new seismic ship co-owned with Norway's Eidesvik Shipping.
Oceanic Vega, an ice-class Ulstein SX 120 design is equipped to carry up to 20 streamers at once and has been described as "..the largest and most powerful vessel of its kind," by CGG.
Initially the new survey ship will be equipped with 16 solid Sercel Sentinel streamers and acoustic and streamer steering gear supplied by Nautilus, to provide high end marine seismic survey capability.
Also the company declared its vessel utilisation and allocation rates for the second quarter this year, with 92% vessel availability, up from 90% in the first quarter this year, while vessel productivity was also put at 92%, equalling the figure for the first quarter.
And vessel allocation was split with 73% of work performed under contracts and 27% for multi-client operations.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 08.07.10 TGS has commenced a new multi-client 3D survey in partnership with PGS.
This project, NVG10, covers a 3,500 km2 area in the North Viking Graben area of the Norwegian North Sea.
The project is being acquired by the PGS Atlantic Explorer and utilizes PGS' GeoStreamerо Technology.
"Substantial customer interest has encouraged a second consecutive year of data collection in this area, allowing TGS and PGS to continue building on the successful North Viking Graben multi-client 3D project acquired in 2009 with PGS," stated Kjell Trommestad, VP and General Director, Europe for TGS.
The NVG10 multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding and data from the survey will be available for customers from Q2-2011.
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 07.07.10 EMGS signs largest ever marine 3D EM contract with PEMEX.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA announced that it has signed a multi-year contract worth a minimum of USD 150 million with PEMEX, one of the world's largest national oil companies.
The work program, which is located in the Mexican sector of the Gulf of Mexico, consists of approximately 30 deep water 3D EM surveys. Data acquisition will be performed using the purpose-built 3D EM vessel BOA Thalassa, with mobilization towards the end of August.
As previously communicated, EMGS anticipates that the contract will generate 2010 revenues in the range of USD 20 - 25 million, and that the remaining contract value will be recognised in 2011 and 2012.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented: "As a repeat customer, we are proud that PEMEX has made this commitment to EMGS, and we look forward to working closely with PEMEX to ensure that this customer receives all the value that 3D EM technology can deliver. We are confident that our 3D EM data will create significant value within PEMEX's portfolio and, consequently, will support its efforts to improve the reserves replacement ratio offshore Mexico."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 07.07.10 Dunquin survey starts.
Site survey work has commenced in advanced of drilling on the potentially huge Dunquin gas prospect out in the Irish Atlantic Margin.
Licence partner Providence Resources reported today that the offshore survey work has kicked off in the Irish Front Exploration licence 3/04 in the Porcupine Basin off the west coast of Ireland.
ExxonMobil is the operator of the licence with 40%, and Providence holds 16% and Sosina Exploration 4%. ENI Ireland holds the remaining 40%.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 07.07.10 BGP Marine Shoots for Spectrum.
The BGP Challenger is currently acquiring 2D long offset seismic data on behalf of Spectrum Multi-Client in the US Gulf of Mexico. The BGP Challenger, which was commissioned in early 2009 is currently acquiring Phase 4 of SpectrumТs extensive Big Wave Multi-Client programme in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. By the end of June the Challenger had acquired more than 5,000 km of high quality seismic data with a 10,000m streamer and 4,260 cu ins source array. SpectrumТs own vessel, the GGS Atlantic, had previously acquired more than 3,700 km of Big Wave Phase 4 before mobilising to Trinidad to acquire a proprietary 3D survey.
The early stages of the acquisition programme proved to be extremely challenging. At this time the notorious Gulf of Mexico loop currents were most active. Even more frustrating for both the Challenger and the Atlantic, was the unpredictable position and movement of the loop current. The experienced international crew on board the Challenger coped well and has subsequently achieved excellent productivity acquiring up to 200 km per day.
SpectrumТs EVP of Multi Client, Charles Harmer, is very impressed with both the productivity and the quality of data acquired by BGP. "The crew on the Challenger has performed exceptionally in a difficult environment. We (Spectrum) have already commenced processing the data at our state of the art computer centre in Houston. Initial results are very encouraging producing excellent quality Multi Client seismic data. BGP are on track to complete the acquisition of Phase 4 toward the end of July 2010."
Dawson Soth, Marketing and Sales Manager for BGP also commented, "BGP is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to showcase its services in the Americas and we are delighted to work with Spectrum on their Big Wave Phase 4 programme. BGP looks forward to working with Spectrum on future projects not only in the Gulf of Mexico, but worldwide".
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 06.07.10 EMGS awarded marine EM contract by new customer EnQuest in UK.
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) has been awarded a USD1 million contract to provide marine EM services for independent oil and gas company EnQuest. This is the first time EMGS has worked with EnQuest, which focuses on production and development on the UK Continental Shelf.
Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer, commented, "We are pleased that EnQuest has provided us with this exciting opportunity which will help to strengthen our UK Continental Shelf experience."
Source: EMGS

ХХХ 05.07.10 The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has reviewed 21 recommendations after the "Deepwater Horizon" accident, with an eye to possible consequences for Norway.
The PSA concludes that almost all of the recommendations are already met by Norway's regulations. Still the PSA has decided to study four-five of the points closer. Within well integrity the PSA points out the following:
- Organizational factors, such as eduction, training and qualifications of personnel performing critical functions in planning and executing well operations.
- Operational and technical management systems for well control.
- Operation and maintenance requirements for blowout preventers (BOPs), and existing systems for setting BOP certification requirements will also be assessed.
Within well design and construction the PSA promises to follow up the Well Integrity Forum's (WIF) work. In addition the PSA will follow emergency preparedness and response principles relevant to halting a possible subsea blowout in Norway.
Source: Oilinfo

ХХХ 02.07.10 Offshore Bahamas-focused explorer BPC has carried out a high specification seismic survey over its licences offshore The Bahamas near to Cuba.
BPC said the survey work has been carried out over the southern end of its 100% owned licences in the Bahamas near to Cuba and company chief operating officer Dr Paul Crevello who was on board the survey ship during the acquisition programme says data obtained was of high quality.
Data processing is taking place in the US after a total of four lines of seismic amounting to 194 km of data was obtained during the shoot. Data was acquired to obtain better definition of leads in the southern blocks in water depths ranging from 240 to 520 metres (787 Ц 1,771 ft) and to extend the company's existing data and understanding of the petroleum system in the region.
BPC is partnering with Statoil to explore other parts of the offshore regions of The Bahamas.
Source: BPC

ХХХ 30.06.10 Eidesvik's new seismic research vessel the Oceanic Vega has been on a successful sea trial.
The vessel which is the first of two for Eidesvik Seismic Vessels. The vessel of Ulstein Sx120 design is chartered by CGG Veritas on a 12 year contract with options five year option.
The vessel has an innovative X-bow design with dynamic positioning, which is designed to provide superior handling in rough weather, and thereby reducing fuel costs.
The vessel will be delivered in July 2010, and the second Oceanic Sirius in September 2011.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 29.06.10 Rieber arranges finance for newbuilds.
GC Rieber Shipping has completed a private placement to raise NKr 450 million (US $68 m) to finance the purchase of two newbuild high-capacity seismic vessels in Spain.
After previously announcing the agreement to buy the two ships from Spain's Factorias Vulcano Yard earlier this month, GC Rieber has established a new subsidiary, Armada Seismic, to own the new vessels.
Subject to renegotiation of a guarantee, the placing will leave the GC Rieber in control of 65% equity in Armada Seismic.
The new seismic ships are due for delivery in the third quarters this year and next.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 28.06.10 Fugro Survey has been awarded a pipeline inspection survey contract.
The contract is worth approximately EURO 5 million and involves acoustic inspection of all subsea pipelines in the West Coast of India offshore Mumbai, India. The total length of pipelines is approximately 5400 km which includes trunk lines and infield lines. The work will be carried out post monsoon from mid-September 2010 to March 2011.
The project will involve deployment of Multibeam Echosounder, Side Scan Sonar, Pinger Profile along with Fugro's high performance Starfix DGPS system to map the pipeline assets accurately, in the first phase. Subsequently, a ROTV (Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle will be deployed to inspect the Trunk pipelines in more detail.
Fugro owned Survey vessel Flambouyan will be mobilized for the project. To complete the inspection work a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) will be deployed to carry out detailed inspection of critical sections of the pipelines. This type of survey is carried out at five-year intervals by ONGC (India) for monitoring of the integrity of pipelines.
Source: Rigzone

ХХХ 28.06.10 Polarcus receives Letter of Intent from OMV.
Polarcus Limited has received a Letter of Intent from OMV (NORGE) AS for a 3D seismic acquisition project in the Norwegian sector of the Barents Sea.
The project will be acquired by Polarcus Naila, the company's second 12-streamer 3D seismic vessel.
The project will commence in early August 2010 and is expected to run for approximately 25 days.
Source: Polarcus

ХХХ 23.06.10 A new Russian leader has been appointed to head up the Shtokman Development company.
Aleksey Zagorovsky, a career economist, has been appointed to replace Yury Komarov as the chief executive of Shtokman Development AG.
Russian business daily Rio Novosti reported that the change had been confirmed at the Economic Forum held in St Petersburg at the weekend Ц at which it was also confirmed that France's EDF was to take at least a 10% stake in the South Stream gas pipeline project sponsored by Russia and Italy.
According to Rio Novosti, Aleksander Medvedev conformed the move during a press conference at the Forum, after Komarov had apparently signalled his intention to resign earlier this year.
A contract with the new Shtokman Development AG boss is due to be signed in the near future, according to reports.
Zagorovsky was previously deputy leader of the Gazprom Dobycha Shelf, a newly established Gazprom subsidiary responsible for projects on the on Russian Continental shelf. Also he has worked for Russian petrochemical company Sibur and several major Russian banks, Rio Novosti said.
Zagrovosky, 44, was in fact appointed by the Shtokman Development AG board of directors on 25 May and the company announced the appointment on 3 June.
Shtokman Development AG's new chief executive graduated in 1991 from the Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanics in solid-state opto-electronics and graduated from the Voznesensky University of Economics and Finance in St. Petersburg in 1995, after studying finance and credit, and then took a Ph.D. in economics.
Between 1993 and 2003 he worked in the Russian banking sector and between 2003 and 2010 was chief vice president for Sibur, and as first deputy general director for finance and economics for Sevmorneftegaz and for Gazprom Neft Shelf. Most recently he was general director for finance and economics in Gazprom Dobycha Shelf.
Source: Offshore Media Group

ХХХ 23.06.10 TGS Commences High Density Multi-client 3D Data Acquisition for Moray Firth Survey.
TGS announces the commencement of a 1650 km2 high density multi-client 3D seismic survey located in the outer part of Moray Firth off the Northeast coast of Scotland.
The survey covers open as well as held acreage and is located in an area proven to be particularly prolific for hydrocarbon exploration. This has been confirmed by recent discoveries including Golden Eagle, Hobby, Pink and Blackbird.
TGS has contracted the Polarcus Nadia vessel to acquire the Moray Firth 3D survey. The Nadia will deploy 8 X 5000m of streamers for the acquisition and the project is expected to complete in late Q3-2010. The data processing will be done at TGS' imaging center in Bedford, England.
Data from the Moray Firth survey will be available for customers from Q1-2011. The Moray Firth high density multi-client 3D survey is supported by industry funding.
Source: TGS

ХХХ 22.06.10 Rosneft and Chevr