Feature Articles

Shearwater awarded large 3D and 4D programs by Petrobras

17/05/2021 Posted by Dale

Shearwater GeoServices has been awarded a 4D monitoring contract for towed streamer seismic acquisition in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil.

The 3D and 4D programs will be conducted over 9-months by the SW Empress, over the Marlim, Albacora, and Voador fields, starting late in the second quarter of 2021, Shearwater said.

4D time-lapse seismic monitoring is a key reservoir management tool and Shearwater described itself as a “technology and market leader in 4D towed streamer and ocean bottom seismic acquisition”.

“Brazil has one of the most advanced programs of deepwater 4D seismic monitoring for reservoir management.

CSIRO signs on for DUG McCloud

17/05/2021 Posted by Dale

High-performance computing technology company DUG Technology has signed an agreement with CSIRO Information Management and Technology to provide high-performance computing and storage using DUG McCloud.

In addition, under a separate agreement, DUG will also provide CSIRO with support, training and enablement utilising DUG’s team of HPC specialists, assisting CSIRO to maximise success on DUG McCloud.

The HPC and storage agreement is for a term of 24 months with an anticipated revenue of approximately AU$700,000 (ex GST). The agreement for HPC training, support and enablement is for a term of 15 months with an anticipated revenue of approximately AU$555,000 (ex GST).

Santos endorses interim National Gas Infrastructure Plan

11/05/2021 Posted by Dale

Santos has welcomed the Federal Government’s release of the interim National Gas Infrastructure Plan.

Santos Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher said the Plan is based on an open, competitive market approach and encourages investment in new local supply and infrastructure, which is the best way to put downward pressure on east coast domestic gas prices.

“The best thing the government could do to get gas prices down on the east coast is to remove barriers to investment and promote private investment in new gas supply sources and pipelines through stable energy and fiscal policy,” Mr Gallagher said.

Energy Networks welcomes hydrogen boost

10/05/2021 Posted by Dale

Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has welcomed the Morrison Government’s funding commitment that will see three large scale hydrogen plants built in Western Australia and Victoria.

ENA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said the funding boost showed the federal government’s commitment to a clean energy future in Australia.

“New energy sources such as hydrogen need to be deployed if Australia is to reach net zero emissions and investing in these technologies is a step towards achieving that goal,” he said.

“Investment in Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry is vital to continue the work transitioning to a clean energy future.

Poll reveals Australians can’t live without oil and gas … or related products

10/05/2021 Posted by Dale

New polling of more than a 1000 Australians has shown that Hand Sanitiser was seen as the most vital product during COVID 19 with computers second.

The polling also showed that clothing was the number one product Australians can’t do without in their everyday lives.

Spokesperson for Brighter with Natural Gas and renowned consumer advocate Christopher Zinn said both products wouldn’t exist without the oil and gas industry.

“When most of us think of the oil and gas industry we focus on fuel for the car or gas to heat your home but it does so much more,” Mr Zinn said.

CGG expands environmental monitoring portfolio with SeaScope

10/05/2021 Posted by Dale

CGG has launched SeaScope, an “innovative pollution monitoring solution”, as part of its growing portfolio of products and services for environmental application.

Combining expertise in remote sensing science, earth observation data, machine learning and high-performance computing, CGG said that SeaScope provides critical sea surface slick intelligence for a range of industries to strengthen situational awareness of the interaction between offshore assets, coastal facilities, local vessel activity and the natural marine environment.  

For energy companies with offshore assets, SeaScope’s proactive monitoring enables the establishment of production water baselines and provides early detection of anomalous events and third-party pollution incidents, as well as surveillance of natural seeps.

CO2 injection phase complete on major CCUS research project

02/05/2021 Posted by Dale

CO2CRC has announced the successful completion of the safe injection of CO2 into a saline formation 1.5km below ground at the Otway International Test Centre (OITC) in Nirranda South, Victoria.

This is a major milestone in CO2CRC’s Otway Stage 3 Project which is developing next generation subsurface CO2 monitoring and verification technologies for application in commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.

The CO2 has been safely injected deep into the subsurface, marking the end of field operations for the Otway Stage 3 Project.

CGG Delivers 9,300km² of Data from Agata Reimaging to Support Brazil’s Bidding Round

02/05/2021 Posted by Dale

CGG has announced delivery of the fast-track data from its Agata Reimaging program over the Agata block in the Santos Basin, a highly prolific area of Brazil’s offshore pre-salt.

The ultramodern reimaged seismic data set covering over 9,300km² will provide valuable information to oil and gas companies wishing to evaluate acreage and assess the potential of the Agata block, prior to Brazil’s upcoming 7th Production Sharing Bidding Round.

The Agata prospect is composed of ultra-deep pre-salt targets located below a highly deformed salt layer.

Shearwater GeoServices acquires Polarcus’ assets

30/04/2021 Posted by Dale

Shearwater GeoServices has announced two transactions to take over marine seismic acquisition assets previously owned by Polarcus, from Tiger Moth AS, a company affiliated with Woodstreet Inc.

Shearwater said it had acquired streamers and related seismic equipment for a total cash consideration of USD 50 million. The company also purchased six seismic acquisition vessels for a total consideration of US$127.5 million.

The transactions are financed through a new vessel loan facility provided by DNB and GIEK of US$107.

Melbana sells Beehive to US heavyweight EOG Resources

28/04/2021 Posted by Dale

Melbana Energy has concluded a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Houston-based Fortune 500 company EOG Resources to sell its WA-488-P permit which comprises the Beehive prospect.

The deals marks EOG Resources first venture in Australia after a sale that was conducted by Melbana subsidiary Finniss Offshore Exploration and EOG’s Australian arm.

Beehive, located in around 40 metres of depth, is one of the largest undrilled hydrocarbon prospects in Australia with prospective resources ranging from 416MMboe to 1.4 billion boe.