3D Seismic Survey Process outlined by BHP officials

Barbados: Energy Minister Kerrie Symmonds, with information on the seismic survey to be conducted by the leading global resource firm BHP, begins in September 2021.

Members of the public had the opportunity on Tuesday night to hear more about the government's 3D seismic survey of 618 square kilometers outside Barbados by the global oil company BHP.

In collaboration with the company, the Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, held its fifth conference, this time for the public, where they learned from officials about how the method will take place in September.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Francine Blackman, told the virtual participants that the pre-planning activities involve regulatory and public consultations to provide information about the reconnaissance activities and to get feedback on the suggested work.

She added that the conversations were fruitful and that the 'general thread' that emerged from the consultations was the need for continuous communication to keep the public informed of the activities.

"The Ministry has absolutely taken note of these expressions and we are operating to ensure that we can provide our partners BHP - to carry out the activities and keep the public informed. 'I'm definitely looking forward to a very engaging session where we hear your thoughts and I'm sure we'll give you some ideas on what we can take to make the exercise one that's beneficial to both parties,' 'she said. Blackman underlined.

In the presentations, BHP's health safety and environmental manager, Sheldon Gomez, an 18-year veteran of the company, shared that the organization put safety first for all involved and was very committed to preserving the environment.

He further stated that the company's services were "top notch" and added that "we are doing what is best for our stakeholders and we are committed to doing what we say we will do".

Mr. Gomez said the company respects everyone's opinions; achieve excellent operating results, and take responsibility for meeting obligations by facing situations directly.

Steve O'Hara, the Caribbean Exploration Manager, set the BHP record in the region, revealing that the company has reached the "remarkable" milestone of 25 years of safe operations after drilling 82 wells safely since launching in 1996.

He said that during this process, the company obtained high-quality modern 3D seismic data over a wide area, which 'forms the basis of our interpretations, geological models, interpretation and ideas, all of which lead to our drilling decisions'.

Mr. O'Hara added: "We want you to know that we are gratified of the fact that BHP has been working safely and dedicated to the Caribbean for 25 years, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and safe operations in Barbados. to knit. "

Head of the seismic operations at BHP, David Lippett, and the seismic superintendent, Keri Nicholas, who will be liable for the operations here, gave an summary of the seismic survey that will be done from September.

He explained that the survey would be done in the two blocks, Carlisle Bay and Bimshire, over 618 square miles, using 12 streamers from the seismic vessel.

Mrs Nicholas said the vessel and the survey fleet are expected to arrive early and notices setting out a five-day forecast for the vessel's operations will be issued to seafarers.

During the question-and-answer segment, the issues were concerns about an oil spill, safe operations in a COVID-19 environment and the protection of marine life.

The chief environmental specialist, Dr. Fil Santiago, said it was improbable that there would be a spill as the transportation did not involve oil, and the only difficulty that was likely to arise was a loss of fuel from the main and two assisting vessels.

Company executives have given the assurance that the foreign survey will be done in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols and that everything will be done to preserve marine life.