Mexico ramps up Gigante seismic work

Published May 18, 2015 4:56 pm ET

Mexico is ramping up its offshore seismic data acquisition with recent awards to TGS-NOPEC and Norway-based Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS).

The Atlantic Explorer. From PGS.

Mexico's Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos (CNH) authorized the acquisition of an 181,500km regional 2D seismic survey, known as Gigante, and awarded the work permit, as well as certain environmental and social resolutions, to TGS. The survey will utilize four SeaBird Exploration vessels to acquire an extensive regional grid of 2D multi-client seismic with 12,000km offsets.

TGS plans to begin seismic acquisition of the Gigante survey in 2Q 2015. Data processing will be performed by TGS with initial fast-track results expected in 3Q 2015. The Gigante survey will include gravity and magnetic data with a regional seismic structural interpretation.

Gigante will include coverage of producing trends such as the Perdido fold belt and Campeche Bay, and line ties will be made in to the US Gulf of Mexico regional grids previously acquired by TGS.

"This survey will provide the industry with unprecedented continuous coverage across the rift basin, enhancing regional context and understanding of depositional systems and prospective regions,” says Robert Hobbs, CEO for TGS. “The grid ties known petroleum systems, as well as vast underexplored areas of the basin, as a springboard for new exploration. TGS is pleased to be a part of history as Mexico opens its oil and gas industry to international investments."

Additionally, PGS began operations of a multi-client 2D seismic program offshore Mexico on 16 May. The two 2D vessels, Atlantic Explorer and Sanco Spirit, will acquire multiple projects, including the Mexico Well Tie MC2D. Fast-track products are expected to be available at the end of 2Q 2015. The surveys will be acquired using PGS-proprietary GeoStreamer technology.

"PGS is proud to conduct its first commercial seismic acquisition project in Mexico after approval of the Mexican Energy Reform," says Gregg Parker, regional president of NSA MultiClient for PGS.