Background

CGG had a 3 or 4 month window of opportunity to undertake a seismic survey in an uncharted area in the Kara Sea, Northern Russia.  

Requirement

They required a  full sea-floor coverage bathymetric survey to be undertaken prior to the arrival of the seismic vessel.  Part of the survey requirements included documenting all obstructions that may have proven dangerous to the safe conduct of the seismic survey.

Challenges

The high latitude of the survey area means that the sea is frozen for eight months of the year, so the survey had to be undertaken in the summer period.  

Logistical and operational challenges included:

• High metocean stress
• Significant upper fresh water layer
• 7 day transit to nearest port for supplies

Solution

A dual head Kongsberg EM3002 multi beam echo sounder was fitted to a locally sourced vessel and operated 24/7 for the duration of the project.