Total’s first 4D seismic acquisition survey, which began in June 2014 in partnership with Qatar Petroleum (QP), has ended offshore Qatar
The three-month survey was conducted at the Al Khalij field (Block 6), which is operated by Total and located nearly 130 km off Doha.
Total said that the main objective of the survey was to better understand the production mechanisms at stake in Al Khalij and further enhance the oil recovery and reservoir management of the field.
Total E&P Qatar said, “This full field 4D survey was decided after a pilot acquisition was successfully performed in 2012. The data acquired will enable better capturing of the changes that have taken place in the reservoir of the Al Khalij field since 1999, when the initial baseline survey was conducted.”
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) was also conducted and mitigation measures were ensured, the French major added. One the measures taken was to have a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) on board the vessel at all times to protect mammals and marine turtles.
Guillaume Chalmin, MD of Total E&P Qatar, said, “This operation was a great success, as it was achieved safely without any accident and impact on the environment. Furthermore, it was completed faster than expected. This is a milestone project as it is the first time such a survey was conducted in Qatar, and we are proud to have partnered with QP on this. This 4D survey is a clear illustration of our commitment towards operational excellence on the Al Khalij field.”
Following this acquisition phase, the data collected from the survey will be processed and interpreted, a process which will take a year and a half to complete.
