The Next Frontier: Guyana’s Offshore Oil Boom
Norwegian marine geoscience powerhouse, Shearwater Geoservices, has just landed a game-changing contract with ExxonMobil Guyana. The mission? A massive deepwater 4D ocean-bottom node (OBN) seismic survey set to kick off in the first half of 2025. This isn’t just another survey—it’s a six-month deep-sea odyssey that could redefine how we monitor and extract offshore oil reserves.
Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore oil and gas regions, is the perfect stage for this high-tech endeavor. With ExxonMobil at the helm, Shearwater is poised to deliver unparalleled insights into the region’s untapped potential. The project will deploy a state-of-the-art seismic vessel as the source vessel, complemented by a dual remotely operated vehicle (ROV) vessel for precision node deployment. It’s a symphony of cutting-edge technology and marine expertise.
Why 4D OBN is the Future of Offshore Exploration
4D OBN seismic surveys are the gold standard for reservoir surveillance, offering a dynamic, time-lapse view of underwater oil and gas reserves. Unlike traditional methods, 4D OBN provides continuous monitoring, enabling companies like ExxonMobil to optimize extraction and minimize environmental impact. Shearwater’s CEO, Irene Waage Basili, couldn’t be more excited: “We’re seeing a surge in deepwater 4D OBN activity globally, and Shearwater is at the forefront of this revolution.”
This isn’t Shearwater’s first rodeo. The company recently wrapped up a successful 4D towed streamer operation for ExxonMobil in Canada, solidifying its reputation as a leader in marine geoscience. With a fleet of advanced seismic vessels and a treasure trove of expertise, Shearwater is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for deepwater exploration.
From Guyana to the Bay of Bengal: Shearwater’s Global Reach
Shearwater’s latest contract with ExxonMobil Guyana is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. In December 2024, the company secured another major deal—a 14,500-line-kilometer 2D towed streamer seismic survey for Oil India Limited (OIL) in the Bay of Bengal. This dual-contract momentum underscores Shearwater’s dominance in the global seismic survey market.
As the world’s appetite for energy continues to grow, companies like Shearwater are stepping up to the plate with innovative solutions. Whether it’s the deep waters of Guyana or the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal, Shearwater is proving that the future of offshore exploration is brighter—and more technologically advanced—than ever.
