OREANDA-NEWS. August 5, 2010. Azimut Energy Services (AES) – a subsidiary of Integra Group [LSE:INTE] –  launched a transition zone seismic survey in the Caspian Sea off the coast of western Kazakhstan for TOO Korned.

This will be the pilot project of the recently announced joint venture (IG Seismic Services) between Integra and WesternGeco, the seismic business segment of Schlumberger. As part of the project, AES will utilize its own capacity, including recently purchased specialized equipment for transition zone surveys, as well as WesternGeco’s equipment and personnel, whose experience in such operating environments will significantly benefit the project.

The 3D-survey will cover an area of 225 sq km of which approximately 75% lies in the transition zone with conditions that significantly restrict the use of standard equipment. Such conditions include deep mud and flooding from the Caspian Sea during prevailing Western winds. It is expected that the project will be completed within four months.

The project will be the first opportunity for Integra to demonstrate its capability in the complicated transition zone environment for land seismic acquisition.  The successful completion of the project will open up new opportunities for IG Seismic Services not only in the transition zones of Kazakhstan but also in the similar zones in other regions (i.e. Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan etc). These areas are relatively underexplored due to the challenges associated with their accessibility and environmental sensitivity.

Commenting on the project, Chris Einchcomb, Integra’s Executive Vice-President for Geophysics, said:

“Both Integra and WesternGeco have an established track record of working for major international oil companies in challenging environmental conditions.  Joining our potentials in this project will allow us to reinforce our technology and further strengthen our reputation in Kazakhstan as well as open new opportunities in our traditional markets in Russia and in the Caspian Region”.