TGS has started the acquisition of the Crean 3D multi-client project on the Irish Atlantic Margin with the Shearwater GeoServices 3D vessel Polar Marquis, Europa Oil & Gas informed.

It is anticipated 3D seismic will be acquired over Europa’s 30% owned licensing option 16/19 (LO 16/19) during summer 2017.

Europa farmed out a 70% interest in and operatorship of LO 16/19 to a wholly owned subsidiary of Cairn Energy. Under the terms of the farm out, Europa will be carried for a USD 6 million work programme which will include participation in the Crean 3D survey, the company explained.

Europa’s CEO, Hugh Mackay, said: “The acquisition of 3D seismic is the critical first step towards unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of any licence in the South Porcupine basin. We are therefore pleased that acquisition operations have begun for LO 16/19. We expect to receive a processed product in 2018 after which we can begin detailed interpretation of the 3D data and in due course deliver a prospect inventory, as we look to add to the 32 prospects we have already identified within our Irish portfolio across six different play types and three basins.“