Oil Patch Bits: Fugro presents new ocean current measurement tool

The Geophysical Society of Alaska’s Jan. 12 meeting featured a presentation on remote ocean current imaging system, a high resolution airborne imaging system capable of measuring near surface currents over large areas. The system was developed and commercialized by Fugro with technology partner Areté Associates to improve the accuracy and efficiency of ocean current observations in support of offshore oil and gas activities. Using high-resolution airborne photography, the system images surface waves and retrieves surface current data from the Doppler shift of successive surface wave images. In addition to a technology overview, Fugro presented results of recent project work in the Gulf of Mexico and opened the floor to discussion on potential Alaska applications. The audience, whose backgrounds included oil and gas, seismic operations, oceanography, marine traffic, and aerial survey, identified scientific studies, search and rescue, and marine construction as potential uses in the state.