NNPC, NAPE Task Oil Firms on Efficient Site Surveys to Cut Cost

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) have urged oil and gas firms to adopt more targeted survey methods to cut costs and mitigate risks associated with oil exploration. At the NAPE August Technical Session in Lagos, the focus was on optimizing infield activities, enhancing data processing workflows, and improving the presentation of results.

Dr. Osim Ogboke, Deputy Manager of Funding Administration at NNPC, emphasized that the approach to survey design must be guided by strategy and scale. He pointed out that many oil fields now resemble brownfields, with existing infrastructure and potential hazards that must inform planning, vessel selection, and operational limits. For shallow-water operations, low-draft vessels limited to daylight hours may be necessary, while deeper waters could accommodate larger vessels with accommodations for 10 or more personnel.

Surveys are categorized into analog and digital methods. Traditional methods such as multi-beam, side-scan, and magnetometer remain standard, but in higher-risk environments, digital tools like 2D ultra-high resolution seismic and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are becoming essential. Precise data acquisition and control are crucial, involving the use of velocity probes, DIMCOM patch tests, ISSP for monitoring temperature, salinity, and pressure, and Ultrashort Baseline (USBL) systems for positioning.

Ogboke stressed the importance of precision, warning that failing to do so could result in acquiring data from entirely the wrong location.

During data processing, Ogboke noted that 2D data often reveals artifacts that 3D surveys might miss but could pose safety risks. He advised against reducing scope for pipelines due to risks like unexploded ordinances, recommending instead integrated vessels with both geophysical and geotechnical capabilities to reduce mobilization costs. Furthermore, real-time quality control (QC) tools such as Starlink are recommended for enhanced monitoring.

Reginald Ofoegbu, Executive Director of BOCA Energy Resources Ltd, highlighted that accidents in the industry have underscored the necessity of site surveying. He urged operators to clearly define the scope of surveys, assess safety and environmental impacts, and engage experts to select the appropriate tools. NAPE President, Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi, and President-elect, Dr. Anthony Ofoma, noted that the theme of the session is particularly relevant as the industry embraces new technologies to make more informed field decisions.