The Dolphin Geophysical seismic vessel, Artemis Atlantic, is currently acquiring 1500km of 2D seismic data in Blocks 1, 2 and 3 of Area 3 north of Malta.
Malta's Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Joe Mizzi, visited the vessel while it was berthed at Valletta Harbour, on 26 March 2014, accompanied by representatives from Cairn Energy PLC and Mediterranean Oil & Gas (photos at right).
Following the visit, the vessel commenced a seismic survey north of Malta. The seismic survey is being undertaken as part of the contractual obligations of Capricorn Malta Ltd., a subsidiary of Cairn Energy PLC, and Melita Exploration Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Mediterranean Oil & Gas plc, with the Government of Malta under the exploration license. Dolphin Geophysical was contracted to conduct the seismic survey on behalf of the oil companies.
Dolphin says it is using state-of the-art acquisition and processing techniques that allow for better image definition of the deep subsurface. The survey is expected to last for about 20 days. Data processing is expected to be completed by early summer and interpretation of the data will be finalized by the end of the year.
[Oslo-based Dolphin Group ASA is the parent company of Dolphin Geophysical AS, a global full-range, asset light supplier of marine geophysical services. Dolphin operates a fleet of new-generation, high-capacity seismic vessels and offers contract seismic surveys, multi-client projects and processing services on a worldwide basis]