MultiField Geophysics completes field tests for new ocean bottom cable (OBC) application

30 June 2008

MultiField Geophysics announced today that it has safely and successfully completed field tests conducted in May over the Peon hydrocarbon reservoir, offshore Norway for its ocean bottom cable (OBC) technology. The OBC application uses both seismic 4C and EM sensing technology and has been developed through a two year joint research and development program with its key industry partners.

The field tests involved deploying a series of seabed sensor segments to acquire EM and seismic data. The proprietary EM source, towing a horizontal electric dipole (HED), was used to transmit various GPS synchronised arbitrary waveforms. Data were acquired and compared with a reference station deployed to monitor the spread, and acoustic data collected simultaneously on selected acquisition lines.

Preliminary processing of the EM data by MultiField shows successful delineation of the gas field, and an analysis of the test data has confirmed the exceptional performance of the integrated EM and seismic sensor system. The first full-scale commercial operation using the innovative technology is expected to commence in Q1 2009.

"In its business plan MultiField Geophysics has focused on becoming a full range EM service provider," stated Svein Erling Johnstad, Chief Executive Officer of MultiField Geophysics. "Our capacity to fulfil our plan to enter the market with EM–4C integrated OBC activity has now been demonstrated.”

Established in November 2006, MultiField Geophysics has its headquarters in Bergen, Norway and is backed by Wavefield Inseis ASA, StatoilHydro Venture AS and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.