Fugro Starts Marine and Land Surveys for Abu Dhabi Gas Field Project

Fugro has commenced a programme of geophysical and geotechnical surveys for Artelia, Abu Dhabi, as part of the Hail and Ghasha development, a landmark project by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Located offshore in the Arabian Gulf, the gas development is part of Abu Dhabi’s largest sour gas field project. It directly supports the company’s strategy to unlock its developed sour gas reserves to ensure a sustainable and economic gas supply to the United Arab Emirates.

Fugro’s ability to provide turnkey survey solutions was a key factor in the award of the contract following a highly competitive bidding process. In order to meet the fast track schedule Fugro mobilised to the Ghasha field with specialised equipment including self-elevating platforms for geotechnical work and crew accommodation. In the Hail field, an inter-tidal shoal area, it is conducting surveys with amphibious buggies while in deeper water, marine geophysical and bathymetric surveys are being performed using its state-of-the-art survey vessel, Fugro Proteus.

Marine geophysical survey

Fugro is meeting the requirements of this key project with the company’s expertise in both geotechnical site investigation and marine survey, explained Chris Arnott, Fugro’s project delivery manager. The geotechnical workscope includes boreholes, grab samples, vibrocores, cone penetration tests, pressuremeters and down hole seismic. Bathymetric, multibeam echosounder, tide gauges, ultra-high resolution seismic sub-bottom profiling, magnetometer and sidescan sonar make up the geophysical survey activities at the site.

Louis Bernard, Fugro’s country manager for the UAE said their involvement in this strategic project for the United Arab Emirates further strengthens Fugro’s relationship with ADNOC. It follows more than 30 years of collaboration across all of the company’s subsidiary operating companies in Abu Dhabi.