A new US$1.32 million (£1 million) research and development project focussed on cost reduction, increased efficiency and value add for the oil and gas sector has received backing from government agency Scottish Enterprise.
US firm ION Geophysical subsidiary, Edinburgh-based Concept Systems, is to enhance the functionality of its Orca software, a survey planning and management tool, with the help of $388,000 funding from Scottish Enterprise.
In April this year, the company announced a research and development project to develop an innovative marine management system, Marlin. Also supported by Scottish Enterprise, this project aims to help the company diversify into the broader exploration and production market.
ION says the Orca enhancements are designed to further optimize survey planning and operations. While the workflows are mature, the current tools have functionality gaps and overlaps that create inefficiencies.
The primary objective of the Orca Project development is to provide a comprehensive survey planning and management tool that links the seismic vessel operational environment to the office.