Barents electromagnetic survey data available

Trondheim-based Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS) has completed the world’s largest multi-client electromagnetic (EM) survey in the Barents Sea, ahead of Norway’s 20th exploration licensing round, the company announced in a release Aug. 15. The survey area, at more than 9,000 sq. km (3,475 sq. miles) and covering 30 blocks, includes all the Barents Sea acreage in the licensing round.

“The program has been heavily pre-funded and has generated a great deal of interest,” said EMGS CEO Terje Eidesmo. “We are excited by the results, which reveal valuable information related to the prospectivity of the survey areas. The EM data will give potential bidders a competitive advantage during the licensing round, and will help them to target their exploration resources more effectively.”

The data is available in the Clearplay Find format, which is a further development of the company’s 3-D scanning service. Clearplay Find offers the display of EM data as maps and 3-D volumes and is easily integrated with seismic information and geological models, according to EMGS. Combining EM techniques with conventional methods gives a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface, the company adds.

—Sarah Hurst