ION Geophysical has launched the first phase of MexicoSPAN, encompassing more than 22,000 km of deep-imaged 2D seismic data. Combined with ION’s YucatanSPAN, GulfSPAN and
FloridaSPAN programs, MexicoSPAN will deliver complete, basin-wide regional view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The goal of the program is to offer fully integrated seismic, well and even outcrop information from onshore US to the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Ion says MexicoSPAN addresses the need for greater understanding of geologic conditions and basin evolution in support of both current and future offshore bidding rounds. The program is designed to provide regional coverage of both the prolific exploration and production areas of the western Gulf of Mexico and the exploration frontier margins of the eastern Gulf and northern Yucatan.
Subsequent phases will commence after completion of phase one. These infill phases will enhance the project with the precise amount of 2D data necessary to better identify size and
location of major prospective structures before moving into subsequent 3D workflows using the vast quantity of 3D data soon to be available from Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos (CNH).
ION will leverage the recent results of YucatanSPAN, in
combination with its extensive 3D imaging experience offshore Gulf of Mexico, to enable optimal design of line placement and spacing of infills.
“When complete, MexicoSPAN will align seamlessly with our other regional programs to offer an unparalleled 2D data set that unites both onshore and offshore margins across the entire Gulf of
Mexico, with coverage extending into the Caribbean and the Atlantic,” said Joe Gagliardi, senior vice president of ION’s GeoVentures group. “The Gulf remains a prolific and
overachieving region, ensuring exploration and production activity in deepwater and frontier regions for many years to come. Our ability to provide onshore-to-offshore well control across the
basin helps our E&P customers reduce risk as they extend operations into these new plays.”
Fast-track products representing current (first round) bidding areas will be available in 3Q 2015.