BSP To Conduct More Seismic Surveys This Year

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Shell Petroleum has announced a further programme of marine seismic surveysto be undertaken this year.

This follows on from the 3D (three-dimensional - surveys conducted over Champion West and Iron Duke in April to June.

Rahimin Kamarudin of BSP's Geophysical Operations explained: "The shallower parts of the Iron Duke 3D area could not be crossed by the Western Trident which was towing a huge spread of eight seismic streamer cables. We are bringing in the smaller Pacific Sword with its shallower draft towed equipment to complete the Iron Duke 3D before commencing a programme of 2D lines.

"For the 3D survey at Iron Duke, the Pacific Sword will tow two steamer cables of 5km length along a number of very closely spaced lines.

This is expected to take two to three weeks, starting on about 9th August. The areas will first have to be scouted for obstacles, such as fish traps, starting from 5th July.

"Earlier in the year, fishermen were very helpful in removing their equipment from the survey areas. Through the Fisheries Department, we are appealing to them to do the same for the forthcoming surveys."

Asked about the 2D lines, Rahimin said: "The 2D lines will be surveyed with a single streamer of 6km length. The lines are spread sparsely over the offshore areas but with a concentration in the Champion and Ampa areas.

"The seismic vessel will steer a straight line and fishing vessels and equipment may be in danger if they are in its path. These fishermen will be approached by a support vessel and asked to move away while the survey vessel passes by.

However, to avoid the possible loss of fishing equipment, we recommend that fishermen avoid the Champion and Ampa areas for the short period of the 2D survey.

"The support vessels accompanying the Pacific Sword are the Armada Hydro and Everbright 9. We are asking all mariners to cooperate by following any directions given by these vessels or by the Pacific Sword."

The 2D programme in Ampa and Champion is expected to start around 30' August and be completed by 10 September. Seismic surveys are used in the petroleum industry to map sub-surface rock formations to determine where to drill for oil and gas.

Pacific Sword is owned by Swire Pacific Offshore and is operated by international geophysical contractor Veritas DGC.

Further information may be obtained from BSP's Geophysical Operations department on 3374937 or External Affairs department on 3374185. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News