Sterling Energy has completed a 3D seismic survey of approximately 1,100 sq km of the Ambilobe Block, offshore Madagascar
The company is an operator of the Ambilobe Production Sharing Contract (PSC). The acquisition was undertaken by CGG Services on behalf of the Ambilobe JV partners, Sterling Energy and Pura Vida Mauritius.
The 3D survey was acquired on time and on budget, according to company sources. Processing of the data will commence shortly to a pre-stack depth migration cube. Intermediary products will be available during the second half of 2015, allowing early interpretation with the final processed data, which is expected to be completed in Q1 2016.
The Ambilobe PSC, awarded in 2004, is in Phase 2 of the exploration period with all minimum work commitments for the current phase completed. In December 2013, Sterling completed a farm-out agreement with Pura Vida under which all costs associated with the acquisition of the discretionary 3D seismic programme were carried by Pura Vida.
Sterling Energy expects that the carry will cover all the costs of the 3D seismic survey. Pura Vida and Sterling Energy each hold a 50 per cent interest in the Ambilobe Block.
“We are pleased to have completed our 3D seismic operations, both safely and efficiently on the Ambilobe Block. We look forward to receiving the processed seismic data to build upon our understanding of the sub-surface imaging of the basin which will assist the joint venture partners to determine the exploration activities on the block in 2016,” said Eskil Jersing, the company’s CEO.
