Alcatel-Lucent’s subsidiary, Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks (ASN), has signed a binding agreement with Sercel, part of the CGG Group, for the acquisition of Optoplan, a leading provider of 4D permanent reservoir monitoring solutions used in offshore oil and gas production.
The closing of the transaction is expected to be completed shortly.
4D Permanent reservoir monitoring – 4D PRM – requires the permanent installation of seabed sensors to carry out frequent 4D seismic surveys of oil or gas reservoirs, collecting data that can be used by operators to monitor how oil, water and gas move in a reservoir over time. Once processed, the data helps produce detailed maps of underground geological structures, where wells should be drilled and how reservoirs can be drained to recover as much fuel as possible.
Optoplan, which is based in Trondheim, Norway, is the company behind Optowave, a leading, field-proven 4D PRM technology for such seismic surveys. In acquiring the company, ASN will combine this expertise with its own leadership in submarine cable systems, including its world class manufacturing capabilities and marine installation fleet.
ASN and Optoplan’s combined expertise will bring to the market a fully integrated 4D PRM solution, including design, manufacturing, assembly and marine installation, which will allow oil and gas companies to boost their oil recovery ratio, extend the life of their oil fields and improve the safety of their operations.
Commenting on the acquisition, Philippe Dumont , President of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, said: “ While ASN is already a leading player in Oil and Gas platform connectivity, Optoplan will extend our capabilities in the Oil & Gas domain, fully supporting the industrial plan to diversify our presence and capture new segments in this highly promising market.”