Within the scope of its exploration activities, RWE Dea is set to begin its seismic acquisition program off the Turkmenian coast in the Caspian Sea. A subsequent exploration well is scheduled to be drilled in 2013.
To obtain detailed information on hydrocarbon reservoirs in licence Block 23 off the coast of Turkmenistan, RWE Dea has begun carrying out a seismic survey. In the process, a 3D transition zone seismic survey will be carried out for the first time on the coast of Turkmenistan reaching from onshore to the shallow water region.
This will enable RWE Dea to explore geological structures in the Miocene and Pliocene at depths from 3,000 to 6,500 metres. The seismic survey comprises the acquisition of 3D data in an area of 400 square kilometres and a 2D program to assess the further exploration potential of Block 23.
“Following careful and intensive preparations in recent months, we’re delighted to begin with the field work now,” reports Peter Immerz, General Manager of RWE Dea Turkmenistan Branch . “Amongst other things, we’re going to use the data obtained to drill the exploration well planned for 2013 with optimum effectiveness,” Immerz added. The seismic activities of RWE Dea were preceded by an extensive environmental study.
The survey takes place in very shallow water, mostly shallower than five metres, where ocean bottom cables with dual sensor receivers (hydrophone and geophone) will be deployed on the seafloor. These cables are connected to the onshore receiver arrays. The receiver spread will constitute a seamless extension from onshore to offshore, recorded with a single instrument. The seismic sources are two different airgun arrays offshore and mobile Vibroseis vehicles onshore. Infield seismic data processing and interpretation will be carried out on the spot to ensure timely quality control.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , April 17, 2012; Image: RWE DEA