Schlumberger, ION in Mexico 3D seismic program

Schlumberger’s WesternGeco and seismic firm ION Geophysical have announced a new 3D multiclient reimaging broadband program offshore Mexico, which uses Mexico’s National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) data library.

The Campeche 3D reimaging program comprises three survey areas covering approximately 82,000 km2 in the Bay of Campeche offshore southern Mexico.

The program will be processed using a combination of custom technologies and techniques from both WesternGeco and ION, that the companies say will maximize data quality and offer geological insights for upcoming licensing rounds.

According to a statement by ION Geophysical, the use of broadband preprocessing coupled with high-resolution steep dip reverse time migration (RTM) and Kirchhoff imaging algorithms will produce data ideal for prospect identification and exploration.

ION President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Hanson, said: “We are pleased to be collaborating with WesternGeco on such a large project offshore Mexico, where we anticipate continued strong client interest. The Campeche 3D reimaging program area is in one of the most challenging, yet prospective regions offshore Mexico where we have significant processing experience and expertise.”

Maurice Nessim, President, WesternGeco, said, “We are confident this collaboration will bring value to our customers through the highest quality imaging, which will improve their understanding of the complex subsurface geology in this area. We expect to see a significant improvement in subsalt and above-salt imaging to better inform our customers through their licensing rounds and development decisions.”

The program is fully supported by industry funding. Fast-track data are available now for Round 1.4 deepwater bid preparation decisions.