NEWS FROM SEG 2013: ION introduces Narwhal for ice management in seismic, drilling operations
HOUSTON -- ION Geophysical has launched Narwhal, the first fully-integrated ice management system designed to reduce risk and improve efficiency in seismic data acquisition and drilling operations in or near ice, such as in the Arctic.
The Arctic contains an estimated 25% of the world' s undiscovered hydrocarbon resources, but harsh, icy conditions pose hazards to seismic contractors and E&P operators. The Narwhal system enables operators to gather, monitor and analyze data from various sources, including satellite imagery, ice charts, radar, manual observations, wind and ocean currents, to forecast weather and predict ice movements in these harsh environments. With the ability to track, forecast, and monitor potential ice threats, operators can make informed, proactive decisions to ensure the safety of people, assets and the environment, while minimizing operational downtime.