Improving Efficiency by Using a Single High-Capacity Multi-Purpose Vessel for OceanBottom Node (OBN) Survey

INTRODUCTION

In smaller OBN surveys, mobilising multiple vessels often contributes to a considerable portion of the overall cost.

A cost-effective approach is the use of a high-capacity multipurpose vessel (MPV) capable of deploying and retrieving nodes, as well as operating seismic sources. The primary advantage of this approach lies in the vessel's ability to operate as both a node and source vessel, thereby eliminating the need for multiple dedicated vessels and associated mobilisations.

This method was successfully applied in a recent deep-water survey, where a single MPV was used to deploy and retrieve over 670 nodes and acquire over 62,000 seismic shot points