Geoscience firm Spectrum has started a 35,000km multi-client 2D seismic survey covering 435,000km offshore Argentina, in deepwater, in cooperation with YPF and with the authorization of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.
This survey is designed provide industry with the first ever detailed seismic grid over this underexplored frontier area of Argentina, allowing for basin-wide studies of the area as well as prospect/lead level interpretation studies for upcoming license rounds.
Data is being acquired with a 12,000m streamer with continuous recording to enable extended recording lengths and high fold data to enable full interpretation from Moho to water bottom. The data will be processed with PSTM, PSDM and Broadband products with first deliveries in early Q4 2017.
The new data will be used to assist the Ministry in placement and design of parcels for the future license rounds offshore Argentina.
Richie Miller, EVP Multi-Client Americas, says: "There has been no deep water exploration in Argentina and this survey will allow industry to get a look at a frontier area for the first time with modern long offset high fidelity data. This expansion of the Atlantic Margin seismic coverage, will soon allow Spectrum to offer a modern 2D library from French Guiana through Brazil to the edge of the Malvinas Basin offshore Argentina. With the potential for a billion barrel field discovery offshore, Argentina has the opportunity to join the ranks of the recent Atlantic Margins successes in place such as Guyana, Ghana, Brazil and Angola, to name a few."
The survey will be carried out in partnership with BGP Marine and is supported by Industry funding.