Norske Shell begins seismic acquisition in 18th round license

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Aug. 13 -- AS Norske Shell has engaged Western Geco, Houston, to acquire 3D seismic data on production License 326 in the Vøring basin of the Norwegian Sea, where the company recently was awarded operatorship in the 18th bidding round.

Shell and 40% partner Statoil ASA said work would begin this fall. PL 326 contains large, high-risk prospects in an area of the Norwegian Sea with water deeper than 1,000 m.

Western Geco, a 70:30 joint venture of Schlumberger Ltd. and Baker Hughes Inc., is providing the Western Pride, a "Q Marine" vessel deploying unique seismic sensing equipment.