Shell To Commence Frontier Seeps Survey in Blocks L10A, L10B Offshore Kenya

Shell/BG Kenya have awarded Fugro a contract for the execution of a seabed survey to detect natural leakages of hydrocarbons in their operated blocks in Kenya namely block L10A and L10B.

The seeps survey complements a seismic exploration programme that was completed recently offshore Kenya. Undertaking a four-week campaign of multibeam data acquisition and precise sampling, Fugro will mobilise its specialised survey vessel, Fugro Discovery, to Kenya in March.

Seabed sampling will be carried out using a drop corer and multibeam data will be acquired with the latest deepwater high resolution multibeam echo sounder, installed in a newly designed gondola on the vessel hull.

The project is one of many seeps campaigns completed in the world’s oceans for Shell by Fugro and demonstrates the added value of consistent execution of site works and standardised deliverables. Managed under a joint Fugro-Shell Safety Leadership programme, the project optimises both companies’ expertise in efficient and safe delivery.

“Seeps surveys are an important part of Fugro’s site characterisation services and we’re very pleased to reintroduce the Fugro Discovery to African waters, where she will demonstrate the excellent value they represent when exploration budgets are limited. These important seabed surveys support the decision making process for drilling operations, especially in frontier regions like East Africa,” says Regional Business Development Manager for Fugro in Africa Peter Boon.

Shell/BG Kenya hold 100% of the L10A licence following the exit of joint venture partners Pancontinental Oil & Gas and PTTEP of Thailand who held 18.75% and 31.25% interest respectively in mid-2015. Block L10A is Kenya’s only offshore block in the region to see an oil discovery at the Sunbird-1 well despite decades of exploration.

Shell/BG Kenya hold 100% of the L10B licence following the exit of joint venture partner Pancontinental Oil & Gas also in 2015 citing the interest of prudent financial management.