Onhym, Morocco’s state oil company and also the industry regulator, is evaluating bids from up to five companies ­battling to land a key offshore seismic survey contract.

Upstream understands that Schlumberger subsidiary Western­Geco, Paris-based CGG, US-based Ion Geophysical, China’s BGP and Norway’s Spectrum Geo have submitted offers.

Up for grabs is a significant multi-client contract covering the acquisition and processing of 3D seismic data over three open blocks off northern Morocco that cover an area of about 12,000 square kilometres.