WGP Completes Arctic 2D Seismic Survey

WGP Energy Services announced Tuesday that it has completed a 2D seismic survey in the Russian High Arctic for Russia's state-owned geological prospecting company Sevmorgeo (SMG).

WGP, a UK-based marine seismic exploration firm, said that the work carried out in the East Siberian and Laptev seas was part of a program to delineate the country's continental shelf for the Russian state.

In order to work in Arctic waters, WESL converted and outfitted the Russian icebreaker Dikson in the port of Kirkenes, northern Norway, which involved the installation of a combination of a 'portable modular source system', a seismic streamer and associated deck handling equipment.

During the survey, the Dikson was also escorted by the icebreaker Kapitan Dranitsyn, which performed the role of lead vessel through pack ice and also provided replenishments for the Dikson.

The vessel was able to operate in the Arctic waters during a 45-day period between mid-August and the end of September, during which some 3,300 line kilometers of towed streamer data was acquired, plus acquisition of OBS (Ocean Bottom Seismometers) data.

The vessel and crew were able to push the boundaries of Arctic exploration; working in sea water temperatures down to minus two degrees Centigrade, and working in latitudes up to 83 degrees north.

Marcus Smith, WGP Operations Manager commented:

"To achieve over 5,000 survey kilometers without incident or damage to in-water equipment endorses WGP’s expertise of working in challenging and frontier locations, providing bespoke marine geophysical services and solutions. Thanks to the outstanding ice navigation skills of the crew on the Dikson, the high level cooperation with SMG, and the experienced professionalism of our offshore personnel, WGP has delivered an excellent final product to our client of which we are all extremely proud." 

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