ION Launches VectorSeis Ocean II

ION Geophysical has announced that its redeployable seabed seismic system is now available to all service providers.

ION Geophysical Corporation announced on June 2 that the commercial availability of its second generation redeployable ocean-bottom cable (OBC) acquisition platform, VectorSeis® Ocean II (VSO II). The original VectorSeis Ocean (VSO) platform has a proven track record of efficiently delivering the highest resolution seismic data.

Leveraging ION’s award-winning VectorSeis sensor, the full-wave system records broad bandwidth, multicomponent (4C) seismic data with superior vector fidelity, capturing increased frequency content at both the low- and high-frequency ends of the spectrum. VSO II includes advanced capabilities that improve the system’s operational efficiency and further enhance VSO’s health, safety, and environmental (HSE) advantages over conventional OBC systems.

Product enhancements include:

• Continuous recording that improves operational efficiency by overcoming interruptions in data acquisition due to intermittent radio transmission in obstructed or congested areas

• Advanced diagnostic measurements and consolidated reporting tools that maximize productivity by streamlining maintenance and fault isolation and minimize the need to pull arrays onboard to troubleshoot problems

• Enhanced power delivery system that increases available recording time.

VSO II remains a buoy-based system that eliminates the need for a dedicated recording vessel, thus reducing manpower needs, operational complexity, and the environmental footprint. Coupled with the Gator® command and control system, VSO II automates and simplifies vessel navigation, spread positioning, data management, and QC across the seismic acquisition workflow.

Since 2004, VSO has been available to the industry exclusively through ION’s service provider partner Reservoir Exploration Technology (RXT). Since the partnership began, RXT deployed VSO on numerous projects worldwide, including in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Brazil, Caspian, and West Africa. The exclusivity term expired at the end of 2009, and as a result, ION’s redeployable seabed acquisition system is now available for purchase by all contractors.

Tim Rigsby, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at ION, commented, "ION has been committed to accelerating and expanding the adoption of full-wave seabed imaging since introducing VSO in 2004. We are excited about the enhancements in VSO II as well as our ability to offer the system to all service providers in the market. This will allow even more E&P operators and contractors to access a technology we believe improves the operational safety and efficiency of seabed acquisition while providing the best data quality available on the market.”

To learn more about ION’s VSO II technology, visit iongeo.com/VSO.