Russian oil producer Rosneft has signed agreements with UK oil major BP and oilfield services provider Schlumberge for collaboration on seismic exploration research and development.
Under the terms of the agreements, which were signed the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia, Rosneft will join as an equal partner in BP’s project with Schlumberger’s seismic business, WesternGeco, to revolutionize the design and acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic surveys.
The project aims to develop innovative cableless onshore seismic acquisition technology to improve subsurface imaging and the efficiency of exploration, appraisal and field development.
Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin said: “These agreements turn the page in the development of upstream technologies.
“Given the international status of the research project, the product to be created will have a significant potential on global markets.”
In the first two years, the project involves development of a seismic acquisition system.
BP and Rosneft will have preferential access to this technology for an initial period, after which Schlumberger will have the exclusive rights to market the system.
BP Russia president David Campbell said: “By combining Rosneft’s wide experience of operating and innovation in challenging Russian conditions, BP’s global expertise in advanced imaging and Schlumberger’s technological and marketing experience, the companies anticipate unique opportunities for the creation and rapid deployment of leading-edge seismic technologies.”
Rosneft said that offering faster and better quality seismic data acquisition at lower cost would provide environmental and safety benefits in areas which are difficult to access and have extreme climates.
Image: Rosneft, BP and Schlumberger intend to revolutionize the design and acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic surveys. Photo: courtesy of Rosemary Ratcliff/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.