Working as project advisors and as part of the project team, we supported Staatsolie to define, design, and deliver a high-resolution onshore seismic survey.
Staatsolie is the state-owned oil company of Suriname. Staatsolie’s objective was to acquire the data to develop a more accurate subsurface model to aid in the identification of new reserves and improve their reservoir’s production performance. To ensure this acquisition project went off without a hitch, Tetra Tech provided field survey project management, in-field quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and post-survey seismic processing expertise.
Challenge
The area for the survey is made of erratically deposited fluvial to deltaic reservoirs. An accurate subsurface model contributes significantly to the success rates and production potential. The model also aids in the identification of new reserves, improves the understanding of the reservoirs’ production performance, contributes to the implementation of EOR projects and is integral in the development of an optimal depletion plan.
The challenge was to collect data which would improve the structural image and stratigraphic resolution of the onshore Paleocene and Eocene sands to develop the remaining reserve potential further. The targets were shallow and included thin reservoirs, narrow channel complexes, compartmentalization: pinch outs and faults. To achieve these objectives, Tetra Tech’s seismic survey specialist designed a high-resolution seismic survey which exceeded anything else acquired onshore Suriname to date.
The project included a survey design phase followed by the collection of a test line to evaluate a range of seismic sources and receivers to maximise seismic frequencies and signal levels. The test proved the best explosive charge size and depth and that vertical hydrophones at specific depths generated substantial uplift in frequencies.
Solution
To ensure the project’s success at every stage, Tetra Tech field survey project managers were used to identify and manage project risks, while keeping the project on track. Tetra Tech’s infield QA/QC specialists oversaw the acquisition process to ensure the data being recorded was meeting the project’s specifications. Seismic specialists at Tetra Tech supported Staatsolie during the field and in the post-field data processing.
The project is on track to provide a subsurface model that aids in making informed decisions on where to drill, how to improve existing wells and plan for well depletion, with increased confidence.
Benefits
- 48,338 seismic record
- 451 crew size
- 45.5 km² survey area
- 172 days of seismic recording
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The project featured in this article was undertaken by RPS, A Tetra Tech Company and originally published on RPSgroup.com. In March 2026 RPS rebranded to Tetra Tech.
