As Nigeria continues to build its domestic industry to attract global investors, seismic surveys remain an integral part of the process
The latest research comes from the eastern Niger Delta, which is considered one of the country's most prolific hydrocarbon regions, covering approximately 11,700 sq kms. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has partnered with TGS and SeaSeis Geophysical Limited to announce the Nigeria Laide multi-client 3D survey, which focuses within the outer fold and thrust belt of the deepwater eastern Niger Delta. This area is marked with complex geological challenges such as stacked toe-thrust structures, elongate anticlines (e.g. Bolia–Chota), inner fold-and-thrust-belt geometries, and shale diapirs/mud volcanoes.
These are addressed with the help of GeoStreamer dual-sensor system, long offsets, wide tow, and a triple-source configuration that are capable of generating modern broadband seismic data to support full-integrity PSTM and Q-PSDM through advanced Elastic FWI-driven velocity model building. This makes it easy for operators and explorers to finalise the next steps based on precisely acquired insights from otherwise inaccessible and challenging zones.
"Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in the global supply of oil and gas. The expansion of our multi-client library in Nigeria in partnership with the government through the Laide 3D showcases our commitment to furthering hydrocarbon exploration in the region. By utilising industry-trusted acquisition solutions, TGS provides insights that accelerate exploration activity and allow operators to fulfil their exploration ambitions," said Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS.
The modern, high-fidelity Nigeria Laide multi-client 3D survey is backed by industry funding, and comes soon after a survey in the western Niger Delta Basin that was announced by Shearwater last December.