Revolutionizing Gulf Exploration: The Impact of Long-Offset OBN Technology
Introduced in 2019, the long-offset Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology was a pivotal innovation in seismic data acquisition that provided substantial imaging uplift and unparalleled accuracy in subsurface imaging. This advanced technology is transforming exploration and production activities in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM), unlocking new opportunities, and enhancing the industry's ability to meet future energy demands.
Consider this: from 2019 to 2023, only 6 of the 336 high impact offshore exploration wells were drilled following the acquisition of new OBN seismic data over the eventual well location (Bellingham). This highlights the potential for growth and untapped opportunities that OBN technology offers. As its adoption continues to rise, we can expect to see a marked increase in the number of exploration wells utilizing this cutting-edge technology, particularly in mature basins like the US Gulf of Mexico.
Located in the Mississippi Canyon protraction area, TGS’ second multiclient long-offset OBN survey, Amendment 2, exemplifies the potential of long-offset OBN technology. By providing a substantial uplift in imaging quality, this dataset enables energy companies to identify new prospects with greater confidence and precision. The technology's ability to de-risk drilling activities makes it a vital tool in the industry's arsenal, particularly in a region as strategically important as the GOM.
Technical Advancements and Business Implications
Long-offset OBN technology represents a significant leap forward in seismic data acquisition. Traditional seismic surveys often struggle with imaging complex subsurface structures, especially in areas with challenging geology. However, supported by the Full Waveform Inversion technology, long-offset OBN data overcomes these limitations. The long offsets allow for deeper penetration and better illumination of subsurface features, providing a clearer picture of potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.
From a business perspective, the implications of this technology are profound. Enhanced imaging capabilities translate into more accurate subsurface models, reducing the risk associated with drilling decisions. Energy companies can now pinpoint drilling targets with greater certainty, optimizing exploration and production efforts. This increased accuracy not only improves the success rate of drilling operations but also reduces costs by minimizing the likelihood of dry wells and unnecessary drilling activities.
Supporting the BOEM’s 2022-2031 Oil and Gas Production Forecast
The adoption of long-offset OBN technology aligns with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oil and gas forecast for 2022-2031. According to the BOEM, as shown on Figure 1, GOM oil production is expected to experience continued growth, with multiple record years of total oil production anticipated during the forecast period. This positive outlook is despite the off-trend production levels observed in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other market disruptions.
Figure 1. TGS Well Data displaying historical oil and gas production in the GOM, along with their forecasted decline, compared to the BOEM forecasted additional production.
The GOM's ability to sustain America's energy demands and support economic development is underscored by this forecast. Long-offset OBN technology will play a crucial role in achieving these production targets, enabling energy companies to explore and develop new fields with greater efficiency. As industry navigates the transition to sustainable energy sources, technologies like long-offset OBN ensure that the GOM remains a vital contributor to the nation's energy portfolio.
Case Study: Amendment 2
The Amendment 2 project (Figure 2), a joint venture between TGS and SLB located in the Mississippi Canyon protraction area, provides a compelling case study of long-offset OBN technology's impact. This area is an ideal ILX (Infrastructure-Led Exploration) location, boasting existing production and pipeline infrastructure. With multiple production hubs offering and additional capacity exceeding 100,000 barrels per day, the area is poised for significant development.
Figure 2. Amendment 2 survey location and active production hubs in the area (hubs data provided by MAPSearch).
Amendment 2 data played an important role in the recently held US Gulf Lease Sale 259, helping companies make informed bids. As the industry looks forward to the next bidding round in 2025, the new Amendment 2 data coverage is expected to stimulate further drilling activity and future leases in the vicinity. This continued interest underscores the value of high-quality seismic data in driving exploration and production decisions.
Conclusion
The long-offset OBN technology heralds a new era of discovery and development in the US Gulf of Mexico. This technology empowers energy companies to explore and produce hydrocarbons with greater confidence and efficiency by delivering substantial imaging uplift and reducing drilling risks. As the industry strives to meet the BOEM's production forecasts, the adoption of innovative technologies like long-offset OBN will be essential in ensuring the GOM's continued contribution to America's energy security and economic prosperity.
The future of oil and gas exploration in the GOM is bright, and with long-offset OBN technology, the echoes of discovery will resonate louder than ever.
