Petrobras Awards Deepwater 3D Surveys

Petrobras (NYSE: PBR) has awarded Shearwater GeoServices Holding AS a landmark contract for a deepwater ocean bottom node (OBN) 3D seismic survey for the Tupi and Iracema projects in the Santos Basin, Shearwater reported Wednesday.

According to Shearwater, the Tupi field survey will be the largest OBN seismic survey in Brazil. The marine geophysical firm pointed out the seismic acquisition at Tupi – considered Brazil’s first super-giant oil field – will be a base survey for potential future 4D surveys.

“This award confirms Shearwater’s leadership in deepwater OBN, an exciting, growing, and future-oriented sub-segment of the marine seismic industry,” commented Shearwater CEO Irene Waage Basili. “It reflects our scale, high-end vessels, and dedication to technology and represents a substantial addition to our backlog. We are pleased to again work for Petrobras.”

Shearwater stated that it expects to start the Tupi and Iracema surveys in the third quarter of this year. The company noted the estimated nine-month surveys will cover 1,113 square miles (2,882 square kilometers) and use remotely operated vehicles and a 3x3 nine-string triple source. It will execute the contract using the SW Diamond and one additional vessel.

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