Shearwater starts new 3D seismic in potential Orange basin-lookalike play

Norway’s Shearwater GeoServices has initiated a multi-client 3D seismic acquisition campaign in the Pelotas basin offshore Brazil.

The Pelotas basin was the star of Brazil’s fourth round of the permanent offer initiative, as geological models suggest the region could have a common genesis to giant discoveries made in Namibia’s Orange basin in recent years.

Petrobras, Shell, Chevron and China’s CNOOC Petroleum secured exploration rights in December 2023 for a total of 44 blocks in the Pelotas basin.

According to Shearwater, the initial phase of the Pelotas basin 3D programme, which is supported by industry funding, will cover 3800 square kilometres, potentially extending to 7000 square kilometres later on.

The campaign, the company’s fifth multi-client 3D acquisition project, is a continuation of the co-operation with joint venture partner Searcher Seismic.

The partners have already successfully acquired over 12,500 square kilometres of 3D seismic data in the prolific Orange basin with the support from multiple clients. Final products of four adjacent projects will be delivered upon completion of processing later this year.

“Together with complementary partnerships, we are building a portfolio of investment opportunities for the future,” said Shearwater chief executive Irene Waage Basili.

“These projects consolidate our entry into the multiclient domain.”