By INÊS LOPES [email protected]
Spanish oil giant Repsol has concluded its deep offshore works to collect 3D geophysical data off the Algarve coast in a bid to assess the potential for natural gas exploration.
The data collection work, which took place in the company’s two concession areas, designated as Lagosta and Lagostim, began on March 9 and finished on May 6, earlier than the predicted date of May 19.
The works were developed by the maritime and seismic industry specialist company Polarcus, using its high-end 3D/4D seismic vessel Naila, which was supported by four other vessels throughout the operation.
The next stage will be dedicated to data processing and analysis, with the study and evaluation of identified structures leading the Repsol team to assess hydrocarbonate potential in that area and thus to determine where natural gas prospecting work will take place in 2014.
The 3D geophysical data collection project was approved by the General-Directorate of Energy and Geology (DGEG) as well as other entities responsible for providing the necessary licensing.
In a statement sent to the Algarve Resident this week, a spokesman for Repsol said: “The recent works developed by Polarcus were closely followed by the DGEG and other entities, such as the maritime authorities, to ensure the highest safety and environmental protection standards. The works were carried out without incident or interruption, except during a four-day period due to inclement weather and strong waves.
“To minimise the risks and inconvenience to the fishing industry, the geophysical data collection work took place in three different areas, allowing for the smooth running of both activities offshore.”
Repsol concluded by saying that it is “confident” about the results it will obtain from the data collection.
The Algarve Resident contacted Repsol to find out about the potential of the area for oil as no reference was made to this in their statement.
A spokesman for the company said: “Our experience on the other side of the border (Cadiz, Spain) is with natural gas and that is our focus in the Algarve.
“With regards to the area’s potential for oil, it is early days to be talking about this as the data collected needs to be analysed first. We don’t know yet what we will find there.”
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