Norwegian geoscience firm Spectrum, in collaboration with the Direction Generale des Hydrocarbures (DGH), has started the first of a series of 3D multi-client seismic acquisition programs offshore Gabon, Offshore Engineer reported.

The programs are in under-explored areas over shallow water open blocks. DGH intends to make these blocks available through future shallow water license rounds.

According to Spectrum, the new 3D broadband seismic will image high potential pre- and post-salt play types. Completely processed and depth migrated data will also be made available for the future license rounds, allowing instant exploration activity once the blocks are awarded, informed Ecofin Agency.

Late December 2016, the company started acquisition of the 10,000km² Gryphon 3D survey in southern Gabon. The survey has attracted strong industry funding and is expected to be completed early Q3 2017. Additionally, another 5,000 km² 3D survey over open acreage in Northern Gabon and a further 3,000 km² 3D survey offshore Central Gabon will commence in Q1 and 2 of 2017, respectively.

Besides the new seismic data, Spectrum already has over 20,000 km of 2D seismic data offshore Gabon, which gives a regional overview and highlights key areas of exploration.