Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS) and Shell have entered into a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to plan and design the next generation of 3D EM equipment. Over the next six months the two companies will, in close collaboration, conduct a feasibility study that includes laboratory tests, design solutions, specifications and a project plan for the development of the next generation of source, receivers and positioning system.

"Customer-driven product development is at the heart of our technology strategy. As the clear technology and market leader, we have a commitment to lead the way on tomorrow's EM system. We are delighted to team up again with Shell, one of the most experienced users of EM technology," says Roar Bekker, EMGS chief executive officer.

Shell was one of the first companies to realise the potential of integrating EM with seismic and other data, and the company has contracted for approximately 100 EM surveys over the last eight years.

"We are very pleased to be working with EMGS to take CSEM, already a significant exploration technology for Shell, to the next level. We believe the next-generation system will at least double the number of hydrocarbon prospects we can evaluate with EM," says Mark Rosenquist, EM Team Lead at Shell Exploration and Production Inc, Exploration Research.

Tags: EMGS, Shell