Redefining High Resolution Multi-Azimuth Towed Streamer Acquisition on the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Summary The introduction of wide-tow multi-sources to seismic streamer vessels enables improved near offset sampling and thus the recording of near incidence angle information needed for shallow target AVO analysis. Long offset streamer tails can be added to the high-resolution acquisition set up, delivering the offsets required for FWI driven velocity model building. Combining the benefits of wide-tow sources with extra-long streamers in addition to acquiring in multiple azimuths can solve exploration challenges in areas like the North Sea. We have chosen the Viking Graben Offshore Norway for a novel high resolution multi-azimuth towed streamer acquisition project starting in 2019. The imaging challenges in the Viking Graben include isolated cemented injectites that have historically resulted in shadow zones at target levels. This case study includes the key technical advances in towed streamer acquisition and how survey design has incorporated these to solve the challenges. The application of the latest technology on a single seismic vessel enables advanced multi-azimuth acquisition at a much lower cost compared to OBN operations. We will present the acquisition concept and the imaging results from the 2019 exploration project.