Western Geophysical in deepwater Ivory Coast

June 27, 1997 Interest in deepwater hydrocarbon exploration in West Africa has never been greater. Following the discovery of the offshore Angola Girassol field in 1300 m of water, many West African countries have experienced an exploration activity increase in their deepwater acreage.
In the Ivory Coast, the Angolan discovery, as well as the recent introduction of a new Hydrocarbon Code, have served as major incentives for increased activity by a number of major oil companies. As the world's leading speculative seismic data company, Western Geophysical is in the forefront of this deepwater exploration trend.
In the deepwater offshore area of the Ivory Coast, Western has just acquired over 4500 km of 2-D speculative seismic data. The data has been collected over deepwater blocks 100, 101, 103, and 106 using Western's 2-D seismic vessel, M/V Western Wave, deploying a Titan streamer and recording system, and sleeve air guns. Western's interactive Omega(R) seismic processing system was used for onboard quality control of the recorded data.
The data is currently being processed in Western's London processing centre and the final processed dataset is scheduled for delivery in the late summer. This will allow for a full evaluation of the blocks and preparation of acreage bids prior to the next Ivory Coast licensing round, which is expected in spring 1998.