Shell E&P Ireland to Recommence 3D OBC Seismic Survey over Corrib Field

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been advised that Shell E&P Ireland Limited is scheduled to recommence a 3D seismic survey off the west coast of Ireland, over the Corrib Field. Approximately 40% of the survey was completed in 2012.

The planned start of the survey is 20th February 2013 and, weather permitting, the survey should be completed in June 2013.

The seismic acquisition will comprise a four-boat operation; the “M/V OCEAN PEARL” will lay the Ocean Bottom Cables on the seafloor and will collect all data records, whilst the “M/V MALENE OSTERVOLD” will serve as the source vessel. In addition to these vessels, a third vessel, the “M/V VIKLAND” will assist the Ocean Pearl with cable laying and also act as a utility vessel. A fourth vessel, the “M/T DEILGINIS” will act as a Guard Vessel.

Seismic acquisition will occur over a set of four active 12km long solid Ocean Bottom Cables laid 400m apart on the sea bed at a depth of 350m by the “M/V OCEAN PEARL” and the “M/V VIKLAND”. At the end of each cable is a 1km lead-in section which is attached to a standalone buoy at surface. These buoys contain a power pack as well as a recording system. Each buoy contains a radio-link with the cable-laying vessel for remote control of the buoy and for data quality control. Each buoy has a GPS receiver, so its location is well known to both seismic vessels. One by one these cables are „rolled along‟ i.e. picked up from the northern edge of the active spread, and redeployed at the southern edge.

The “M/V MALENE OSTERVOLD” will be towing two seismic sources, and operating around the set of four active 12km long cables.

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Press Release, February 14, 2013