ONGC Awards Shearwater 3D Seismic Contracts for Coastal Surveys

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has awarded two significant contracts to Norwegian firm Shearwater Geoservices AS for 3D seismic surveys along India’s East and West coasts. These projects are critical for identifying new domestic crude oil and natural gas reserves, underscoring India’s ongoing push for energy security.

Project Scope and Timeline

Shearwater will deploy two advanced 3D vessels for these surveys, with one focusing on the West coast for nine months and the other on the East coast for six months. Both operations are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated by 2027.

• One vessel targets India’s West coast over a nine-month period.
• The second vessel will survey India’s East coast for six months.
• Operations are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
• Project conclusion is expected in 2027.

Survey Methodology and Objective

The primary objective of these marine seismic surveys is to pinpoint potential hydrocarbon deposits beneath the seabed. This involves a sophisticated process of mapping geological structures to create detailed subsurface images.

• Ships emit high-energy, low-frequency sound waves using compressed air, penetrating over 6,000 meters into the seabed.
• Reflected sound waves are recorded by hydrophones on vessels, constructing detailed 3D geological maps.
• This 3D mapping provides more intricate detail than 2D surveys, with 4D surveys tracking changes in deposits over time.

Shearwater’s Expertise and ONGC’s Financial Strength

Shearwater’s CEO, Irene Waage Basili, highlighted the company’s strong and continuous presence in India since 2016, emphasizing their established relationship with ONGC. This collaboration is crucial for delivering high-quality geophysical data essential for regional value creation.

These projects are integral to ONGC’s broader strategy to identify and develop new domestic energy reserves within Indian waters. The company recently reported robust financial performance, reflecting its capacity to invest in such strategic initiatives.

• ONGC reported a net profit of ₹17,034 crore in the first quarter of FY 2026-27.
• This represents a substantial 112.3 percent increase from the previous year.

The imperative for domestic energy self-reliance is amplified by the current global energy landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions affecting critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. ONGC’s continued investment in exploration through advanced seismic technology directly addresses this national energy security concern.