Norwegian seismic company TGS has received authorization from Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos (CNH) for the acquisition of multibeam, coring and geochemical analysis data over an area of approximately 600,000 square kilometers in Mexican waters.
This project will cover the entire deep water area of the offshore sector of Mexico, including world class producing trends such as the Perdido Fold Belt and Campeche Bay, TGS said in a statement on Monday.
The project will be conducted in conjunction with the 186,000 km TGS Gigante seismic survey which is currently 12% (>22,000 kms) complete. The multibeam data will be acquired by Fugro using vessels equipped with the latest generation of multibeam sonar equipment.
Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data will be used to identify possible oil and gas seep targets for sediment sampling. Over one thousand navigated piston cores will be collected by TDI Brooks International and detailed geochemical analysis will be performed.
“We are pleased to create a portfolio that combines all important geoscience data into one integrated package that can be used to better aid exploration efforts in this region. These data have value from the earliest stages of reconnaissance through the end of the development program. It is a complementary addition to our Gigante regional 2D seismic program that is currently being acquired. Our customers have shown considerable interest in these projects,” commented Katja Akentieva , Senior VP Western Hemisphere, TGS.
TGS will start acquisition of Multibeam and Coring data in Q3 2015 subject to receiving environmental impact resolution from the Mexican Authorities, with expected completion in early Q4 2016.
This survey is supported by industry funding.