Safe and Efficient 3D Seismic Acquisition in Arctic Conditions

Cato Rypdal

Expensive and challenging drilling operations in the Arctic mean that 3D seismic is essential to de-risk prospects. We present results from the analysis of 10 different seismic surveys performed in arctic conditions in areas covering: Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, South and East Greenland and North East Russia. The aim has been to identify which technical equipment and solutions are most suitable for cold conditions with ice. Crucial improvement areas have been identified; and solutions found for a number of these, but not all. This gives an opportunity for equipment manufacturers to further develop their products. The paper will present the key challenges for marine seismic in Arctic conditions, crucial technical issues, and how these issues can be addressed. The study has identified the most common causes of downtime, technical issues and reasons for delays. A number of examples from the field (with data and pictures) will be shown. The paper will include recommendations on how these challenges can be addressed – with the goal to be able to provide efficient and safe 3D seismic surveys in arctic conditions. In particular, the paper will focus on the challenges with ice in the water. A key point is how to avoid equipment damage when towing large 3D streamer spreads. Experiences with deep-tow solutions and multi-component streamers will be described. A second focus is efficiency. There is a need to complete large survey areas in a short seasonal window, and minimize the risk of delays. It will be important to avoid significant delays, since this could cause the survey to extend into the cold-weather season. Based on experiences, this paper will recommend how this can be achieved and focus on three main technical contributions: - How to safely tow large streamer spreads (10-14 streamers) in areas with ice in the water - Deep tow equipment solutions (to avoid equipment damage due to ice in the water, and to improve efficiency) - Results from using multi-component streamers (to achieve broadband data in spite of deep tow)

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90177©3P Arctic, Polar Petroleum Potential Conference & Exhibition, Stavanger, Norway, October 15-18, 2013