Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has awarded BGP a contract for the worlds largest continuous 3D onshore and offshore seismic survey. The $1.6bn contract will see BGP, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company (CNPC), study an area of up to 53,000sqkm.
According to a statement from ADNOC, the new survey will add to existing 2D and 3D seismic data that has already been collected across Abu Dhabi. The new survey will cover up to 30,00sqkm offshore and 23,000sqkm onshore. The contract falls under ADNOCs efforts to identify and unlock new opportunities and maximise value from its hydrocarbon resources and deliver on its 2030 smart growth strategy.
The agreement was signed in advance of Chinas President Xi Jinpings visit to the UAE, by Abdulmunim Al Kindy, ADNOCs upstream director, and Gou Liang, president of BGP. The signing was witnessed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO, and Wang Yilin, chairman of CNPC.
The announcement of the worlds largest continuous 3D seismic survey, and, with it, the deployment of cutting-edge exploration technologies is an important step in realising the full potential of Abu Dhabis conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources, as we deliver on our 2030 smart growth strategy. The scale of the project shows ADNOCs commitment to upstream investment and to bolstering our oil and gas reserves and production for the long-term. The award, following a highly competitive bid process, also represents another key milestone in ADNOCs thriving partnership with CNPC, and the UAEs strategic energy partnership with China, said Dr Al Jaber.
BGP says it will deploy cutting edge technology to provide survey data density up to five times that of existing industry standards. In doing so, the process will capture high-resolution, 3D images of the complex subsurface structure, up to 25,000ft below the surface.
The use of advanced technologies and methodologies will improve efficiency and reduce operational time. According to the statement, it will also maximise value for ADNOC, while minimising HSE risks and help to mitigate against the impact on marine life or other users of Abu Dhabi waters.
Wang Yilin added, We are delighted to be awarded this hugely important contract to conduct the worlds largest onshore and offshore seismic survey. ADNOC has embarked on an ambitious project to explore and unlock hydrocarbon reserves and BGP is best placed to bring industry-leading technology to Abu Dhabi to support this program. This agreement also strengthens our growing and successful relationship with ADNOC, creating a platform for further energy collaboration between us.
Through the use of seismic streaming vessels and ocean bottom nodes to acquire data in Abu Dhabi waters, and vibrator trucks to survey the onshore desert areas, the survey is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
