3D seismic surveys Shearwater GeoServices will carry out the projects in Indian waters after receiving two award letters from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The projects will be developed off the country’s west and east coasts and will add approximately 15 vessel-months to the company’s order book.
The awards correspond to two large-scale campaigns, the first involves nine months of operations off the west coast of India, while the second comprises a six-month seismic survey on the east coast.
3D seismic surveys will begin at the end of 2026
According to the planned schedule, both projects will begin in early Q4 2026, the combined duration of the campaigns will allow Shearwater to ensure greater utilization of its seismic fleet and extend the visibility of its operations to 2027.
Currently, the awards are under award letters or AVAILABLE the next step will be to move towards signing the final contracts, a process that is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2026.
The addition of these projects expands Shearwater’s portfolio in a market where the company has been active for a decade. Its continuous presence in India since 2016 has also allowed it to develop operational expertise and knowledge of local conditions.
ONGC maintains its relationship with Shearwater in India
For their part, ONGC Shearwater will again utilize its geophysical capabilities to obtain 3D offshore seismic data. This type of information allows for a more detailed study of the characteristics of the seabed and constitutes a relevant technical resource for oil and gas exploration activities.
Irene Waage Basili, Shearwater’s chief executive, noted that the awards represent a significant addition to the company’s order book and highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian market.
These awards represent a significant increase in Shearwater’s order book, with attractive terms and in a strategically important market.
Basili
The executive also highlighted the company’s uninterrupted presence in India since 2016 and the operational relationship built with ONGC during that period.
The projects add up to about 15 ship-months of activity
Furthermore, distributing the work between both coasts will allow the fleet’s capacity to remain occupied for an extended period. The western project represents nine months of operations, while the eastern campaign will contribute another six months.
Taken together, the1 5 months-ship this strengthens Shearwater’s future programming in the marine seismic acquisition market. For the company, this workload provides greater visibility into the utilization of its vessels through 2027.
The campaigns will also extend the collaboration between Shearwater and ONGC in the sector offshore Indian, Once the contracts are formalized, the Norwegian company will have to deploy its geophysical acquisition capabilities to carry out the two planned seismic surveys.
Key data on NGO awards
ONGC awarded two offshore 3D seismic survey projects to Shearwater GeoServices, one will last approximately nine months on the west coast of India and the other will last for six months on the east coast.
Work will begin in early Q4 2026 and will add approximately 15 vessel-months to Shearwater’s portfolio. These projects will strengthen the company’s operations in India and improve its fleet utilization planning for 2027.
Source: Offshore Energy
Photo: Shutterstock
