Shearwater GeoServices takes on more work with ONGC to facilitate energy exploration off India

Norway’s marine geoscience and technology player Shearwater GeoServices has been hired to conduct a 3D seismic survey assignment off the east coast of India by the country’s government-owned energy giant, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

Covering a 4,600 km² area in the Bay of Bengal, this survey project in the Cauvery Basin offshore India is set to begin in the early months of 2024. Shearwater claims that this project spotlights its commitment to assist in efforts to secure access to energy resources.

Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater GeoServices, highlighted: “We look forward to working with ONGC on another project, which underscores our solid relationship and track record in India. It reflects our mutual dedication to advancing exploration with precision and care.”

The Norwegian player will utilize the 2015-built SW Empress seismic acquisition vessel, which comes with a length of 113 meters and a breadth of 26 meters, to carry out the survey. The company explains that this assignment underlines its role in supporting “efficient and technologically advanced” exploration activities in the region.

The new survey deal comes on the heels of another one with ONGC for an ocean bottom node (OBN) survey off India, which will be carried out with the SW Tasman vessel.

At the start of last month, ONGC tucked the first oil from a deepwater block off the coast of the Bay of Bengal under its belt, which is likely to boost its total oil and gas production by 11% and 15%, respectively.