Tullow Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, has commenced a comprehensive 4D seismic survey across the Jubilee and TEN fields, marking a significant milestone in its plans to optimize drilling activities for the coming years. The survey, which began earlier this month, is expected to run for approximately 45 days and conclude in early March 2025.
Its primary objective is to identify the most viable areas for future drilling, ensuring sustainable and efficient resource development.
The initiative is being led by Norwegian company Shearwater GeoServices, a globally recognized firm specializing in marine seismic operations. Utilizing its state-of-the-art seismic vessel, the SW Duchess, Shearwater brings advanced technology and decades of expertise to the operation. The vessel is equipped with industry-leading seismic acquisition systems designed to capture high-resolution subsurface images, crucial for optimizing hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Tullow Ghana’s decision to partner with Shearwater GeoServices underscores its commitment to leveraging the latest technology and expertise in offshore oil and gas exploration. Additionally, the project is being carried out in collaboration with Ghanaian company Destra Energy, reinforcing Tullow’s dedication to fostering local participation in the oil and gas sector. By engaging a local partner, Tullow is ensuring that Ghanaian expertise and resources are integrated into its operational activities, contributing to capacity building and local economic development.
Understanding the significance of community engagement in offshore operations, Tullow Ghana and its partners conducted extensive consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the survey’s launch. These engagements included discussions with the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Marine Authority, representatives from the Canoe Council, local contractors, and other industry players. The goal was to ensure a smooth and coordinated execution of the seismic programme while addressing any concerns from affected communities and regulatory bodies.
Special attention was given to fishing communities in the survey areas, as their activities are closely linked to the maritime ecosystem where the survey is taking place. By proactively engaging fishermen and local leaders, Tullow Ghana sought to enhance awareness about the survey’s scope and minimize disruptions to fishing activities. These efforts also aimed to safeguard marine wildlife and uphold environmental safety standards in line with the company’s sustainability commitments.
Tullow Ghana’s Managing Director, Jean-Médard Madama, emphasized the importance of the seismic survey in optimizing future drilling operations and ensuring responsible resource management. He stated, “We are excited to embark on this programme ahead of our next drilling campaign. It will be the first 4D seismic campaign in Ghana’s waters and is expected to generate significant data, providing critical insights for efficient drilling operations and maximizing resource recovery. We have also taken care to engage all relevant stakeholders in line with our commitment to safety and sustainability to ensure maximum success in the seismic campaign in Ghana.”
A 4D seismic survey is a sophisticated technique used by energy companies to enhance their understanding of reservoirs beneath the seabed. Unlike traditional 3D seismic surveys, which provide static images of subsurface structures, 4D seismic technology adds a time-lapse component, allowing engineers to monitor changes in reservoir conditions over time. This advanced approach enables oil and gas companies to make data-driven decisions, optimize drilling operations, and maximize hydrocarbon recovery with greater precision.
By capturing high-resolution images of subsurface formations, the survey will help pinpoint oil- and gas-rich areas, reducing the risk of inefficient drilling and ensuring optimal resource extraction. The data gathered will be instrumental in guiding Tullow Ghana’s drilling strategies, allowing the company to make informed decisions about well placement, reservoir management, and production planning.
The launch of the 4D seismic survey comes at a time when Ghana’s oil and gas industry is poised for further growth. The Jubilee and TEN fields remain critical to the country’s energy sector, and the insights gained from this survey will play a key role in sustaining production levels and driving operational efficiency. As global energy demands evolve, the ability to harness advanced technologies such as 4D seismic imaging ensures that Ghana remains competitive in the international oil and gas market.
Beyond technological advancements, Tullow Ghana’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and community engagement sets a strong foundation for responsible energy development. The company’s proactive approach to stakeholder consultations, environmental protection, and local content participation reflects its broader mission of ensuring that Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources are developed in a manner that benefits both the economy and local communities.
The collaboration between Tullow Ghana, Shearwater GeoServices, and Destra Energy further highlights the importance of international expertise combined with local capabilities. This model of partnership not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to skill transfer and knowledge-sharing within Ghana’s energy industry. As the survey progresses, Tullow Ghana is expected to continue working closely with regulatory authorities and local stakeholders to ensure that the operation is executed smoothly and in compliance with all relevant industry standards.
In recent years, seismic exploration has played a pivotal role in the global oil and gas sector, helping companies improve drilling accuracy and reduce environmental impact. The adoption of 4D seismic technology is a testament to Tullow Ghana’s forward-thinking approach to resource management, positioning the company as a leader in innovation within Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry.
As the survey nears completion in early March 2025, the gathered data will undergo rigorous analysis to inform the next phase of Tullow’s drilling campaign. The results are expected to shape the company’s operational strategies for years to come, ensuring that Ghana’s offshore resources continue to be developed in a sustainable and economically beneficial manner.
With its strong track record in exploration and production, Tullow Ghana remains committed to responsible energy development and long-term investments in the country’s oil and gas sector. The successful execution of this 4D seismic survey will not only support the company’s future drilling plans but also reinforce Ghana’s position as a key player in Africa’s offshore energy landscape.
