Aker BP ASA (Aker BP) has entered into a framework contract with Schlumberger for acquisition of 4D seismic data.

The framework contract has a duration of four years, with an option for 2+2 years.

The contract includes WesternGeco marine acquisition of 4D seismic data over the Aker BP-operated fields Alvheim, Bøyla, Skarv/Snadd and Ula in 2017. This part of the agreement, which has the support of the partners on the four fields, has an independent market value of around USD 30 million.

“With this framework contract, Aker BP is fortifying our position as an operator with significant ambitions for growth and value creation on the Norwegian Shelf,” says SVP Reservoir, Ole-Johan Molvig.

This year’s extensive seismic acquisition effort starts in May, and will be carried out by the WG Amundsen seismic vessel.

“We will be using the best seismic technology available on the market; IsoMetrix* marine isometric seismic technology. The result is data quality that surpasses what we have been able to achieve previously,” says Molvig.

The 4D seismic method requires acquisition of seismic data in the exact same positions as a previously recorded survey. This allows changes in the reservoir to be compared and recorded over time.

The dense measurements recorded by IsoMetrix technology improve this comparison even further by revealing the most subtle variations in the reservoir fluids and subsurface pressure.

“We use this information to make decisions about how we will further develop the field by drilling new production wells, or through measures for injecting water or gas to improve recovery through existing production wells,” says Molvig.

Gathering knowledge is an important key for improving the recovery rate, maximizing value creation, and thus extending field lifetime.

“The extensive seismic acquisition on our own operated fields is yet another confirmation of Aker BP’s stated ambition and commitment to the Norwegian Shelf – also during a period of decline and reduced activity in the industry in general,” says Molvig.

The framework contract was awarded following a comprehensive review of several bidders based on criteria such as HSE, commercial factors and technology, where the latter factor was of particular significance.

*Mark of Schlumberger

About Aker BP

Aker BP is a fully-fledged E&P company with exploration, development and production activities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the world's leading provider of technology for reservoir characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry. Working in more than 85 countries and employing approximately 100,000 people who represent over 140 nationalities, Schlumberger supplies the industry's most comprehensive range of products and services, from exploration through production, and integrated pore-to-pipeline solutions that optimize hydrocarbon recovery to deliver reservoir performance.