Statoil applies electromagnetic wave technology to offshore exploration

Jan. 31, 2002
Statoil ASA has formed a company, Electromagnetic GeoServices, to develop electromagnetic wave technology to search for oil and gas.

By the OGJ Online Staff

LONDON, Jan. 31 -- Statoil ASA has formed a company, Electromagnetic GeoServices (EMGS), to develop electromagnetic wave technology to search for oil and gas.

The subsea logging method complements seismic logging, which is based on sound waves.

Statoil said initial results in the North Sea have been promising, and it will use the method when it prepares to apply for acreage in the Norwegian sector.

Terje Eidesmo, EMGS general manager, said that the technology makes it easier to identify hydrocarbons in deep water off Norway; it may be applicable to western Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, and South America. The method can also be developed for use in shallow waters and for monitoring reservoirs.

Statoil's Trondheim research center is continuing to develop the method. It sold the patented technology to EMGS but will hold a majority stake in the company with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute holding the rest.