Shearwater GeoServices Holding AS has announced a collaboration agreement with Equinor on May 21 to develop next-generation marine seismic source technology for more efficient and environmentally friendly data collection. The development is supported by the Research Council of Norway.

“This collaboration targets an untapped potential of seismic sources with the goal of delivering better quality seismic data faster than current source technology,” Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater GeoServices, said. “We aim to bring about a step-change in productivity by completing surveys faster and reducing the overall cost and external impact of marine seismic acquisition.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Shearwater will accelerate the development of its marine vibratory source technology. Marine vibrator sources provide total control of the emitted wavefield, which is fundamentally different to existing source technology. The non-impulsive nature of this type of source technology will bring environmental benefits, especially in sensitive, difficult to reach areas and extreme climates.

Shearwater will have the exclusive rights to market the system and Equinor will have initial, preferential access to the technology.