Client: Deep Ocean / AkerBP
Location: Norway
Kraken Robotics was commissioned by Deep Ocean, on behalf of AkerBP, to perform a sub-seabed survey at the Symra and Solveig oil and gas fields in the central North Sea. The survey was required to determine the best location for future oil and gas structure foundations, which can be impacted by buried boulders. In the early stages of planning for an offshore oil and gas installation, it’s most efficient to understand the geology and lithology of the sub-seabed before beginning installation. If boulders are found, the site can be relocated early in the process, avoiding significant costs and delays. Kraken was instructed to survey the area and identify buried boulders greater than 0.2 meters in size
Kraken Robotics utilized its Sub-Bottom Imager (SBI) mounted on the base of a Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicle (WROV) to perform the sub-seabed survey.
This advanced system provided high-resolution 3D acoustic imaging, which allowed for precise detection and mapping of acoustic anomalies indicating potential buried boulders.
Survey operations were performed at three sites, covering a total of 42.9 kilometers at a depth of about 230 meters. A total of 124 survey lines were acquired over five days.
Figure 1 - Plan view of the SBI data showing an identified discrete anomaly
Figure 2 - Profile view of the SBI data showing an identified discrete anomaly
Kraken provided Deep Ocean with a discrete anomaly listing for each survey area, detailing the location, depth, length and width of the anomalies as well as the shape and suggested interpretation (often buried boulders).
Kraken also identified and interpreted lithological boundaries which could hinder infrastructure emplacement, delivering isopach (depth) maps to the client. Seg-Y files were also provided so further analysis could be undertaken by the client.
Using Kraken’s SBI data, Deep Ocean was able to quickly determine the best location for the oil and gas installation, ensuring the project could progress on schedule and within budgets.
