French multinational group, Total, has contracted Norwegian seismic acquisition and processing company, Shearwater GeoServices, to conduct 3D seismic in Mauritania’s C15 and C31 Blocks.

Spanning 6,000 kilometres square, Operation is set to commence in the third quarter of 2020. The scope of the project includes a large towed-streamer 3D acquisition and Fast Track processing scheme which is to be enabled by Shearwater’s proprietary Reveal software and use of an ultra-wide tow Flexisource configuration.

The survey is to be conducted by the SW Empress vessel and will span two and a half months.

Commenting on the contract, the CEO of Shearwater GeoServices, Irene Waage Basili said, “This award confirms that our strong client focus and leadership of the consolidation in the marine geophysical industry has positioned us well to navigate through these challenging times. Shearwater has had strong activity in North West Africa, and we are pleased to return for this survey for Total in Mauritania.”

The two blocks cover 14,175 km2. Total is the operator of the blocks with a 90% interest. Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier (SMHPM) holds 10%. Total also holds a 90% interest in Blocks C7 and C9, a 45% participating interest in Block C18.