Seismic survey specialist Dolphin Geophysical has kicked off its first major project in Mexico.
Dolphin commenced the East Campeche 2D long offset multi-client survey in the Gulf of Mexico this week, utilizing the specialist ship MV Artemis Arctic.
The survey will cover just under 100,000 sq km of the Gulf, focusing on the lucrative deep water opportunities that are likely to be highly sought after when the second round of licence auctions by the Mexican government in 2016. The first round of shallow water licences received a very lukewarm reception when they were auctioned earlier this month.
The 19.597 line km survey will enable Dolphin to deliver time-processed seismic data products. The survey is supported by industry pre-funding with Dolphin having a licensed agreement with the Mexican authorities.
The project will be managed from Dolphin’s Houston office with a 36-strong team on board the survey vessel.
Andy Phipps, president Dolphin Western Hemisphere said: “This is a new era for Mexican petroleum exploration and we are able to deliver high-quality data that has not previously been available.”
“We feel our survey is in a good location to make the most of the licensing rounds that the Mexican authorities have outlined for the next four calendar years.”
Modern 2-D surveying allows Dolphin to cover a large area relatively swiftly. More detailed 3-D seismic surveys are likely to be carried out once well appraisals are required by exploration companies.
Phipps added: “The oil and gas companies are more tentative then they were 12 months ago [prior to the oil price slump], but they know there are good opportunities out there. We anticipate we will be carrying out, more detailed 3-D mapping going forward.”