4C - new dimension in marine seismic

Four dimensional marine seismic acquisition is set to become an important new tool for specific targets. First Break reports on the circumspect strategy being adopted by PGS Reservoir. It looks increasingly as if the four component (4C) seismic survey acquisition is on the verge of becoming the latest technology battleground for the major seismic contractors in their bid for competitive advantage. Both Western and Geco- Prakla (reported in this month's News Section) are making their first significant moves to offer 4C seismic acquisition to the oil industry. Marking the embryonic stage of the technology Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) has to date adopted its own distinctive approach. It boils down to not running before you can walk. The company spent two months this summer in the Norwegian North Sea carrying out 150 km of multi-client 2D seismic in three different areas using its own 4C acquisition technique. Data from the surveys is due to be made available this autumn.