Markets
The seismic business
Seismic data and 3D seismic data in particular are fundamental in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons. These data are used to assess prospectivity and identify potential hydrocarbon resources, to perform detailed mapping of the reservoirs in the field development phase, and to monitor how the reservoirs are being drained during the production phase.
Based in Oslo, the marine division of PGS has primary regional offices in London, Houston and Singapore. Services include acquisition, processing, interpretation, marketing and sales of seismic data. Income typically comes from two sources: the contract seismic market where PGS obtains data on a proprietary basis on behalf of specific clients, and the multi-client market, where we license access to our extensive data library covering the Americas, Africa, Middle-East, Europe and Asia-Pacific. PGS was founded on the development of multi-streamer acquisition and has grown to be a global leader within marine seismic acquisition. This position came as a result of our unique hands-on experience in towing many streamers, combined with a strong focus on unit cost through the use of technology to increase efficiency.
PGS believes that the future for improved exploration and production lies with HD3D seismic to improve reservoir resolution and characterization, complemented by time-lapse 4D seismic operations focused upon monitoring depletion of producing reservoirs. It is PGS’ aim to enhance our leadership in productivity through technology development and further exploitation of the unique design of our Ramform vessels and other seismic technologies as appropriate.
PGS competitive advantage
After their first development in 1995, the PGS Ramform vessels were the first to tow eight, ten, twelve, fourteen, and sixteen streamers. The PGS Ramform vessels remain the only seismic vessels capable of efficiently towing more than twelve full-length streamers, and the only seismic vessels routinely towing twelve streamers. This streamer towing capability provides PGS with the opportunity to provide unmatched survey flexibilities and operational safety and efficiency. With six Ramforms complemented by four “conventional” seismic vessels, PGS has understandably established a global track record for 3D operational efficiency and innovation.
Backed by comprehensive pre-survey planning services with its NucleusTM modelling software immersive visualization capabilities with holoSeisTM and an extensive global network of high-end data processing centres running CubeManagerTM software, PGS delivers both standard and HD3D data to meet every exploration and production challenge - in all environments - on time, every time.
