Imaging shallow gas drilling hazards under three Forties oil field platforms using ocean-bottom nodes

Abstract

Reliable seismic images of gas accumulations in the shallow subsurface beneath production platforms are mitigating drilling risks in the Forties oil field. Ocean-bottom nodes (OBN) were selected to record the seismic data due to their ability to operate safely and efficiently in busy and obstructed oil fields. The resulting seismic images allow extra care to be taken during drilling where gas is likely to be encountered. The resulting operations can therefore be optimized in terms of both safety and costs.