Rosneft, BP, Schlumberger Sign Technology Agreements

Rosneft, BP and Schlumberger (SLB) today announced agreements for collaboration on seismic research and development. The agreements were signed at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia, by Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and President of BP Russia David Campbell. Schlumberger was represented by President for Russia and Central Asia Gokhan Saygi.

Under the terms of the agreements, Rosneft will join as an equal partner in BP’s ongoing project with Schlumberger’s seismic business, WesternGeco, to develop innovative cableless onshore seismic acquisition technology. The technology aims to revolutionize the design and acquisition of 2D and 3D seismic surveys, which in turn will improve subsurface imaging and the efficiency of exploration, appraisal and field development. The ability to deliver faster and better quality seismic data acquisition at lower cost compared to conventional seismic surveys will also bring environmental and safety benefits in difficult to access areas and extreme climates.

The project envisages an initial two-year period to complete the development of a seismic acquisition system. BP and Rosneft will have preferential access to this technology for an initial period, after which Schlumberger will have the exclusive rights to market the system.

Commenting on the signed documents, Igor Sechin said: “These agreements turn the page in the development of upstream technologies. By teaming up with such industry leaders as BP and Schlumberger we are bound to succeed. The fact that Rosneft, Russia’s leading oil and gas company, will be involved in the development of state-of-the-art technologies is of prime importance. As a result, innovative solutions will be tailored for specific Russian settings. Given the international status of the research project, the product to be created will have a significant potential on global markets.”

“By combining Rosneft’s wide experience of operating and innovation in challenging Russian conditions, BP’s global expertise in advanced imaging and Schlumberger’s technological and marketing experience, the companies anticipate unique opportunities for the creation and rapid deployment of leading-edge seismic technologies,” said David Campbell.

“We are excited to be working with BP and Rosneft on this innovative acquisition technology that will revolutionize and expand our industry’s ability to image the subsurface, especially in challenging land environments, worldwide,” said Gokhan Saygi.