Next Generation CSEM system improvements: Operational capability test

This project is a prolonging of the JIP project. Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA, with assistance from project partners, is developing the next generation of controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) surveying technology. This technology is based on remote resistivity measurement. Using receivers placed on the seabed and a source towed just above the sea bed, sensors in the receivers detect the varying electromagnetic resistivity of the subsurface which is used by oil companies to improve their probability of drilling success and to update their volumetric estimations of potential hydrocarbon deposits. The next generation technology will improve subsurface penetration and improve the resolution of the final resistivity images & volumes, through improvements in signal to noise ratio and reduction of positioning uncertainties. This can change the way that oil and gas companies manage their exploration process. Current workflows rely on seismic which gives mainly structural information. Electromagnetic technology fills in missing parts of the exploration puzzle, it adds information about whether structures are likely to contain hydrocarbons, and whether they are sealed within the structure or have leaked out. This technology can, and does, change exploration drilling success rates. The sea trial and tests done June/July 2016 on the first JIP project where a great success where we demonstrated and proved the possibilities to achieve the technical objectives in the project. However, also some needs for major improvements to achieve full operational capability were disclosed, and the prolonging of the project is further RnD work and a sea trial to demonstrate this. After the sea trials June/July 2016 we started working on the improvements to the equipment. It was both topside and subsea equipment that needed corrections/upgrading and based on the sea trials it was relatively clear what needed to be done. Another sea trial was performed July 2017 and on this test we achieved all project goals except one: This meant all flaws and deficiencies was corrected, but there was one technical solution on the subsea unit (subsea PSU) were we did not have enough time before the sea trial to implement the technical solution. All in all we are very please with the results and are now ready for a new sea trail in Q1 2018.