Business news for the week of 14 November 2008 Past news briefs Paradigm provides strategic consulting to Dubai Petroleum Establishment
28 October 2008—Earth Decision Sciences, an affiliate of Paradigm, announced that Dubai’s national oil company, Dubai Petroleum Establishment, has extended its strategic consulting contract with Paradigm. This contract marks the first Paradigm strategic consulting project to be identified, executed, and completed in the region. The extended contract provides expansion and continued support of the petrophysical database recently reconstructed by Paradigm consultants. Paradigm will continue to process and interpret the database to provide approaches consistent with DPE’s ongoing drilling campaign. JDR Marine Cables to supply air gun umbilicals and lead-in cables for Polarcus’ fleet
30 October 2008—JDR was awarded the contract by the Polarcus Group, based in Dubai for the supply of air-gun umbilical systems and lead-in cable systems for their entire fleet of six new 3D seismic vessels. The scope awarded to JDR includes the supply of 35 km of air-gun umbilicals and 65 km of lead-in cable systems. The cable systems will be supplied by JDR’s new quayside facility at Krimpen, near the port of Rotterdam. The new facility, built in 2008, provides manufacturing, coupled with industry research and design. The six-vessel fleet will be completed over the next two years, with the first 12-streamer vessel operational in 2009 and all six vessels operational within 2010. Fushion and 3DGeo merge
3 November 2008—Fusion Geophysical announced the formation of FusionGeo to combine its global businesses with those of 3DGeo. The merger will integrate the expertise and technologies of the two companies, specifically the imaging technologies of 3DGeo into Fusion’s Lagniappe platform, while capitalizing on Fusion’s global network of partner companies. Financial details of the transaction have not been released. Fusion will provide its platform and services from domestic offices in Texas, Colorado, and California, and international offices in Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. The company will continue its expansion in the next year, with offices in Brazil and Southeast Asia. Spectrum appoints Rhys Edwards as new CFO
4 November 2008—Seismic services provider Spectrum has appointed Rhys Edwards as chief financial officer. Edwards will start work from Spectrum's Group Headquarters in Woking, UK. He will take over from Jon Elde of Global Geo Services, who had assumed the role of CFO since Spectrum's demerger from GGS in July 2008. Edwards previously served as CFO of oil trading software provider OILSpace, where he oversaw an increase in turnover of 35% and turned the loss-making operation into a profitable business. Wavefield Inseis win major 3D seismic survey for TPAO
4 November 2008—The National Oil Company of Turkey, TPAO, awarded Wavefield Inseis a major 3D project offshore Turkey in the Black Sea. The 3000 km2 3D survey is the third project that Wavefield will undertake for TPAO. The new project adds to Wavefield's backlog and increases its market share in the highly active region. DOE names new Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for fossil energy
4 November 2008—The U. S. Department of Energy has announced the selection of Victor K. Der as the new Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy. Der will be responsible for office operations and will manage the oversight of Fossil Energy’s Research and Development program and the U.S. Petroleum Reserves. Most recently, Der was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal, responsible for directing research and development of clean coal research, development and demonstration, and implementation of energy policy initiatives and priorities relating to clean coal utilization and its role in climate change mitigation, including carbon capture and sequestration. He also served as director of the Office of Clean Energy Systems, where he directed large-scale demonstration programs, including the Clean Coal Technology Demonstration program; the Power Plant Improvement Initiative; Clean Coal Power Initiative; and FutureGen—a demonstration program for near-zero emissions coal, including carbon emissions. Der has worked at DOE for 35 years in various programs. He entered government service as a reactor intern in the predecessor agencies to DOE, starting with Atomic Energy Commission. He worked as a structural and materials engineer in nuclear reactor plant designs of the Fast Flux Test Facility and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Demonstration during the Energy Research and Development Administration. Following this, he managed research in the civilian radioactive waste management program on geologic storage of high-level nuclear waste; research on superconductivity in the Office of Science's (formerly the Office of Energy Research) magnetic fusion energy program; and research in Fossil Energy’s advanced coal and gas based power systems program. His prior work includes NASA's Apollo 15 moon mission project and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program on modeling the upper atmospheric density. Peter Hogarth appointed as new president of GeoAcoustics
4 November 2008—Peter Hogarth has been appointed as the new president of GeoAcoustics, a Kongsberg Company. Hogarth is succeeding Dave Stone, who retires this year. Stone was one of the founding directors of ORE in 1978 and became managing director of what is now GeoAcoustics in 1991. Hogarth has taken on his new position from 1 November 2008. Hogarth has a BSc (Hons) in maths and physics and an MBA. He is also a chartered engineer and a chartered physicist. He has been with GeoAcoustics for 20 years, and his previous position was technical director. Hogarth’s achievements are the development and introduction of the entire sidescan product range at GeoAcoustics as well as the development of the swath bathymetry system GeoSwath Plus. The challenge in the new position will be the integration of GeoAcoustics into Kongsberg Maritime, the parent company and launching the new product range. Paradigm EarthStudy 360 unveiled
11 November 2008—Paradigm has unveiled EarthStudy 360, its seismic imaging and interpretation technology. Previously code-named “WideEye,” Paradigm EarthStudy 360 delivers angle domain seismic imaging with a unique ability to decompose the seismic wavefield at subsurface image points into angle domains that provide geoscientists with new perspectives on the subsurface and a better return on investment for oil company seismic exploration and development programs.
EarthStudy 360 is used for generating continuous azimuth, angle-dependent images of the subsurface (full azimuth angle gathers), using the full-recorded wavefield in a new manner. The method generates and extracts high-resolution data and information related to subsurface angle-dependent reflectivity with a simultaneous emphasis on continuous and discontinuous (e.g., faults and small scale fractures) subsurface features. Because angle-gathers carry both full azimuth reflection (amplitude) and directional (dip and azimuth) information, geoscientists are able to generate and work with a new set of deliverables for uncovering physical and geometric properties of the subsurface. WesternGeco launches the UniQ next-generation land seismic system
10 November 2008—Schlumberger has launched the WesternGeco UniQ integrated point-receiver land acquisition and processing system. Pronounced “unique,” the new seismic system combines extreme channel count point-receiver technology with support for advanced simultaneous source techniques. UniQ can support up to 150 000 live channels at a 2-ms sample interval. With the seismic system’s continuous recording capabilities and support for simultaneous source techniques, UniQ can be used for dense reservoir characterization projects, as well as for sparse fast-moving exploration surveys. UniQ will also provide significant advantages in challenging noise environments and in areas with complex geologies. UniQ can address land seismic challenges in a multitude of environments ranging from desert to the arctic. The field planning software, source and recording control systems and camp data-processing facilities are all designed to work in an integrated manner, to enable efficient equipment layout and optimized data handling while reducing the time from shot to processed deliverable. Intervera Data Solutions and OpenSpirit strengthen collaboration for upcoming releases
10 November 2008—Intervera Data Solutions and OpenSpirit announced their commitment to help E&P companies achieve a higher level of confidence and access to their data. Intervera is integrating OpenSpirit’s latest version 3.x integration platform with their upcoming DataVera Monitor module as part of DataVera version 8.0. DataVera Monitor is a module that leverages industry standard web services framework or adaptors to integrate with other middleware applications, such as OpenSpirit. Monitor is part of the DataVera product suite which leverages a complete and independent rules repository. Fusion and VINSA sign strategic alliance agreement to provide E&P technology and services in Venezuela
7 November 2008—Fusion Petroleum Technologies and Venezolana Internacional, S.A (VINSA) have formed a strategic alliance to provide geophysical and geological technology, services, and software in Venezuela. The alliance will allow Fusion to provide VINSA clients with an integrated offering of leading edge geophysical technology from Fusion and its other alliance partners. Under the terms of the agreement, VINSA will provide local logistics and contract support for Fusion service projects and software sales, and Fusion will provide its exploration and production technology, expertise, services, and software to clients in Venezuela through the VINSA alliance. OpenGeoSolutions transforms seismic modeling with NVIDIA Tesla
11 November 2008—Geophysicists in the oil and gas industry are seeking more accurate images of what lies beneath the Earth. In order to find what's been buried for millions of years, Calgary-based OpenGeoSolutions uses a technique called "Spectral Decomposition," specifically to reveal geological information that goes beyond classic seismic resolution and detection
On a CPU-based cluster, this process could take anywhere from 2 hours to several days. In an effort to improve this, the team acquired a workstation equipped with an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 GPU Computing processor, based on the NVIDIA CUDA parallel computing architecture. In six weeks the OpenGeoSolutions team converted a key portion of their application to CUDA and, as a result, witnessed an order of magnitude increase in performance.
OpenGeoSolutions provides spectral decomposition and inversion services along with commercial support for an open source seismic processing system called FreeUSP. Several major, independent and national oil companies use FreeUSP software to refine their geological models and locate valuable hydrocarbon reserves. ffA opens new Houston office and releases SEA 3D Pro 2008
10 November 2008—ffA has established a new office in Houston to provide both sales and technical support and act as ffA’s services base in North America. ffa also announced the release of SEA 3D Pro 2008. It addresses three key considerations in ffA’s software development strategy: provision of cross platform support, improving workflow efficiency, and integration. SEA 3D Pro 2008 contains an extensive range of volume processing technology and interactive tools for objectively and highlighting and delineating geological features in 3D. The interactive link with GeoProbe, Halliburton’s 3D interpretation software, facilitates volume interpretation workflows using ffA’s 3D seismic analysis technology. Repsol applying advanced seismic imaging technology to energy exploration
10 November 2008—Repsol announced that the company’s advanced seismic imaging project, Kaleidoscope, has begun exploration operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil.
Kaleidoscope is powered by reverse-time migration (RTM), a sophisticated subsurface imaging tool whose potential is accepted by the oil industry, but until now has not been used because of technical hurdles. Repsol's next-generation Kaleidoscope technology overcomes those hurdles, enabling searches for energy reserves at greater depths, with greater clarity, and faster than conventional technology.
Kaleidoscope enables Repsol to locate oil reserves buried some 30 000 feet (10 000 feet of water and then 20 000 more feet of seabed) below the Gulf of Mexico’s surface. Letter of intent signed with PFS Shipping for sale and lease-back of newbuilds
10 November 2008—SCAN Geophysical ASA announced that the company has signed a letter of intent with PFS Shipping (Singapore) for a sale and lease-back agreement for the three newbuilds under construction at the ABG Shipyard in India. PFS is affiliated to the ABG Group and mandated to be dominant player for the group in the offshore industry in the region. PFS is currently building a fleet of offshore supply ships and other assets with firm financing arrangements. They further intend to get into offshore operations through partnerships and joint ventures and acquisitions. The agreement implies that SCAN will sell its three new high-capacity 3D vessels, including complete seismic equipment, to PFS by assuming responsibility for the majority of the remaining commitments related to the vessels and seismic equipment during the construction period. Upon delivery from the shipyard, the vessels will begin 12-year charters to SCAN. The charter rate per vessel, including all the seismic equipment, is US$40 thousand per day. Based on the current good progress at the yard expected delivery date for M/V SCAN is still March 2009 (with start up of operations in April) as previously announced. M/V SCAN Finder and M/V SCAN Superior will be delivered in 2009. TGS and Wavefield settle arbitration case
9 November 2008—TGS and Wavefield agreed to settle the dispute related to the merger process between the two companies. Under terms of the settlement, Wavefield will pay US$12.5 million to TGS, and TGS will charter a 2D vessel from Wavefield for an 18-month period beginning in April 2009. TGS will also have the option to hire up to 24 months of uncontracted 3D vessel capacity from Wavefield over the next four years at favorable rates, securing Wavefield engagement for vessel capacity. The arbitration process already in progress will be stopped, and all claims either party have against the other party, its shareholders, board members, employees, or advisors are waived. SCAN Geophysical receives Letter of Award
10 November 2009—SCAN Geophysical ASA announced the receipt of a letter of award from Empresa Estatal de Exploración y Producción de Petróleos del Ecuador (PETROPRODUCCION), an affiliate of Petroecuador, to acquire a major 2D seismic program offshore Ecuador in support of the government’s plan to develop hydrocarbon prospects in this region. The ground-breaking survey is covering majority of the Ecuadorian coast, with focus on basins in Esmeraldas, Manabí, Guayas, and Santa Elena provinces and comprises approximately 10 000 km of two-dimensional marine acquisition. The LOA is subject to the parties finalizing a mutually agreeable contract. SCAN’s new multipurpose seismic vessel, the M/V SCAN STIGANDI, will be transiting to Ecuador to acquire the program with an immediate startup upon arrival. The seismic program will be acquired utilizing SCAN’s new and technologically advanced vessel and onboard seismic equipment, including 8000-m towed solid streamer. CGGVeritas data library, a vanguard in the Gulf of Mexico
10 November 2009—CGGVeritas has over 10 350 OCS blocks (over 241 000 km2) of conventional 3D data covering the Gulf of Mexico. Of this, 4700 blocks are covered with PSDM processing. New wide-azimuth (WAZ) data is rapidly adding a new dimension to this total. Over 1140 OCS blocks have been acquired to date and another 1000 blocks are in the planning stages. CGGVeritas completed its first multiclient library wide-azimuth 3D survey in March 2008. The Walker Ridge WAZ survey covers 474 blocks of southern Green Canyon and central Walker Ridge. It was designed to image the highly prolific subsalt Eocene trend that is present throughout the survey area. The highly visible Jack discovery and other discoveries such as Julia, Bigfoot, and Tahiti are located within the survey. The processing will be complete by the end of the year and final products will be delivered well in advance of the upcoming MMS OCS lease sale number 208, scheduled for March 2009. The Garden Banks WAZ survey is on schedule for the acquisition to be completed early in 2009. This second in a series of multiclient WAZ surveys covers over 670 OCS blocks, encompassing over half of the Garden Banks protraction area as well as the northern section of Keathley Canyon. Final deliverables for this survey are on track for June 2010. The M/V Viking has just completed the 244-block East Breaks 3D program. This program adds to the 1140-plus block Alaminos Canyon survey located to the south to provide a continuous 1384-block of modern 3D data covering a vast swath of the Western Gulf of Mexico. This new survey will have three high-end products delivered when it is completed. The first product delivered will be a full PSDM Kirchhoff migration followed by a full PSDM wave-equation migration (WEM) and then a full PSDM reverse time migration (RTM). Funding available for environmental research and development
6 November 2008—The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), is seeking to fund environmental research and development in the Munitions Management focus area. The development and application of innovative environmental science and technology supports the long-term sustainability of DoD’s installations and ranges, as well as significantly reduces current and future environmental liabilities. The Munitions Management focus area concentrates on detection, discrimination, and remediation of unexploded ordnance (UXO) at closed and active ranges. This work encompasses the development of technologies for range clearance, wide area assessment, signal processing algorithms, geolocation techniques, and cued identification. SERDP intends to fund multiple projects that respond to the following two focused Statements of Need (SON) in Munitions Management: - Advanced Technologies for Detection, Discrimination, and Remediation of Military Munitions
- Improvements in the Detection and Remediation of Underwater Military Munitions
Proposals responding to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 SONs will be selected through a competitive process. Pre-proposals from the non-federal sector are due by Thursday, 8 January 2009. Proposals from the federal sector are due by Thursday, 12 March 2009. The SONs and detailed instructions for federal and private sector proposers are available on the SERDP Web site at www.serdp.org/funding. SERDP also will be funding environmental research and development through the SERDP Exploratory Development (SEED) Solicitation. The SEED Solicitation is designed to provide a limited amount of funding (not to exceed US$150 000) to investigate new environmental technologies with innovative approaches that entail high technical risk and/or have minimal supporting data that provide risk reduction and/or proof of concept. For Fiscal Year 2010, Munitions Management SEED proposals are being requested in response to the following SON: - Advanced Technologies for Detection, Discrimination, and Remediation of Military Munitions on Land and Underwater
All seed proposals are due by Thursday, 12 March 2009. Detailed instructions for both federal and non-federal proposers are available on the SERDP web site at www.serdp.org/funding. Attend a webinar hosted through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Technology Innovation Program. SERDP’s Executive Director Jeffrey Marqusee will conduct an online seminar SERDP Funding Opportunities on 20 November 2008 at 2:30 p.m. EST. This “how to play” briefing will offer valuable information for those who are interested in submitting R&D proposals for SERDP funding as well as answer questions about the funding process, submitting proposals, and the current FY 2010 SERDP solicitation. To learn more about this online seminar and to register, visit www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/serdpfunding/. AND Join us for the Partners in Environmental Technology Technical Symposium & Workshop, 2–4 December 2008, in Washington, DC, where SERDP’s Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Marqusee will again conduct a Funding Opportunities session 12:15–12:45 p.m. EST on 4 December 2008. This presentation will also offer information for those who are interested in submitting R&D proposals for SERDP funding as well as answer questions about the funding process, submitting proposals, the current FY 2010 SERDP solicitation, and upcoming FY 2010 ESTCP solicitation. To learn more about the Symposium or to register, visit www.serdp-estcp.org/symposium2008/. | 
