Leadership by Innovation
PGS aggressively pursued full 3D acquisition and processing technologies in the early 1990s when all the other seismic contractors were still adapting to small-scale 3D surveys from the historical emphasis upon 2D seismic.
After their first deployment in 1995, the PGS Ramform vessels were the first to tow two six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, and sixteen streamers. The PGS Ramform vessels remain the only seismic vessels capable of towing more than twelve streamers, and the only seismic vessels routinely towing twelve streamers. This streamer towing capability provides PGS with unmatched survey flexibilities and operational safety.
Less than a decade ago, a 500 square kilometer 3D survey was typically acquired with three streamers, and turned around in 18 to 24 months from first shot to data delivery. Today the exceptional performance of Ramform technology, with its dramtically higher streamer count and rapid, and seamless onboard and onshore processing units, has enabled project turnaround to be been greatly reduced. As an example, PGS acquired a 10,000 square kilometre survey in the Asia-Pacific region during 2000/2001, towing 10 x 6000 meter streamers. The final processed data volumes were delivered less than 10 months after the survey began, which remains a world record turnaround.
It all starts with the productivity of the Ramform seismic vessel.
The field performance of the Ramform is outstanding. Equipped to tow as many as 12 to 20 streamers, the PGS Ramforms are the only vessels in the world today that routinely tow 12+ streamer spreads. No other vessel in the industry has yet managed to tow more than ten streamers. Ramform has become the vessel of choice for 3D seismic acquisition in deep water.
In recent years, PGS has adapted the Ramform vessel capabilities to deliver long-awaited High-Density 3D (HD3D) data at affordable rates and survey efficiencies, providing the premier platform for all seismic data applications and products used by the petroleum industry. The ability to tow massive numbers of streamers at close separation (or deploy large numbers of seafloor cables at close separation), finally allows geophysicists to completely understand the seismic wavefields being recorded during each survey. When the PGS acquisition strategies are complemented by the inherent flexibility of our Ramform and seafloor operations, then there is virtually no limit to the innovative approaches that can be provided to our clients – in all environments and for all challenges.
Today, HD3D surveys are routinely being acquired with 12 and 14 streamers at 37.5 or 50.0 meter streamer separation. The PGS Ramform vessels are to only seismic vessels capable of achieving these feats. The Ramform vessel class is also establishing itself as the premier platform for time-lapse 3D (4D) solutions. By exploiting the streamer towing capacity of the Ramform vessel, "overlap" surveys can be acquired without compromising survey efficiencies. Therefore, the optimal survey "repeatability" is provided, whilst maintaining optimal survey efficiency.
History shows that PGS has consistently reset industry standards in performance and efficiency, and not just with the Ramform.
| Sep 1993 | First vessel to tow 5 streamers |
| May 1994 | First vessel to tow 6 streamers |
| May 1995 | First vessel to tow 8 streamers |
| Jun 1996 | First vessel to tow 10 streamers |
| Dec 1997 | First vessel to tow 12 streamers |
| Dec 1997 | Widest configuration (1,100 meters) |
| Jul 1998 | Widest configuration (1,350 meters) |
| Jun 2000 | Largest tow (61.2 kilometers streamer in sea) |
| Apr 2001 | First vessel to tow 16 streamers |
| Apr 2001 | Largest ever tow (72 kilometers streamer in sea) |
With six Ramforms complemented by four “standard” seismic vessels, each record breakers in their own right, PGS has understandably established a global track record for 3D operational efficiency and innovation. PGS delivers the greatest value data products and services per square kilometer, free of the logistical constraints typical to many competitor operations.
PGS is also aggressively developing “true” 3D data modeling, processing, visualization, and analysis technologies that complement the 3D datasets being delivered by our field operations. At all times, our emphasis is upon efficiency, accuracy, innovation, and reliable delivery. No other company pursues the 3D seismic story like PGS – a testament to our early inception, our history of pursuing innovative technologies, and our continuing commitment to the petroleum industry.
