Peter Uzoho
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) have urged oil and gas operators to abandon generic survey designs and adopt scale-driven, risk-based approaches to reduce cost and operational hazards.
The made the call at the NAPE August Technical Session in Lagos, sponsored by Seis-Space Geosciences Ltd with the theme: “Beyond Site Survey Design: Optimising Infield Activities, Intelligent Data Processing Workflow, and Enhanced Presentation of Results.”
Chairman of the session and Deputy Manager, Funding Administration at NNPC, Dr. Osim Ogboke, who summarised the lead paper by Technical Director, Peak Processing UK, Mr. Christopher Alger, said strategy and scale must guide every survey.
He explained that most fields today operate like brownfields with existing infrastructure, pipelines and hazards that must shape planning, vessel selection and operational limits.
“For near-shore work with shallow water, operators may need low-draft vessels limited to daylight operations. In deeper water, larger vessels with accommodation for 10 or more personnel become viable,” Ogboke said.
He classified surveys into analog and digital. While multi-beam, side-scan and magnetometer remain standard, he said high-risk environments now require digital tools such as 2D ultra-high resolution seismic and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, AUVs, deployed close to the seabed.
Ogboke stressed precision in data acquisition and control, citing the need for velocity probes, DIMCOM patch tests, ISSP for temperature, salinity and pressure, and Ultrashort Baseline, USBL, for positioning.
“Because all of this is about precision. You don’t want to go there and then you’re dealing with a field that is in this room… you might find yourself acquiring data that is actually in Ajegunle,” he warned.
On processing, he noted that 2D data often reveals artifacts that 3D might miss but which pose danger. For pipeline routes, he advised against cutting scope due to risks like unexploded ordinances. He also recommended integrated vessels with both geophysical and geotechnical capability to cut mobilization costs, and real-time QC via tools like Starlink.
Executive Director, BOCA Energy Resources Ltd, Reginald Ofoegbu, said accidents have taught the industry that site survey is no longer optional. He urged operators to define scope, assess safety and environmental impact, and engage experts to select the right tools.
NAPE President, Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi and the President-elect, Dr Anthony Ofoma, said the theme was timely as the industry adopts new technologies to improve field decisions.