Onshore oil data acquisition starts

2D surveys underway

The mapping of lands that will be surveyed for onshore oil and gas exploration is complete. The British firm Spectrum will commence the data acquisition phase as of next week.

The Ministry of Energy and Water had launched 2D multi-client surveys for potential onshore oil and gas deposits in June. The surveys required mapping several seismic lines, extending over a total of around 500 kilometers.

According to George Kamar, Spectrum Representative in Lebanon, data acquisition will first be conducted on the Qartaba line between Batroun and Laboueh, and on the Aley-Bar Elias line. The data acquisition phase should take up to two months, according to Kamar.

The Jordanian firm Geophysical Services Center (GSC) was subcontracted to supply the required equipment. Spectrum is also cooperating with the local firm Cogic Consultants for environment and licensing issues, with the French IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) for geological analyses, and with the British Geo Guide Consultants for quality control.

An Austrian company, OMV, which is also participating in the offshore licensing round, will soon sign an agreement to conduct geological studies. The final approval should be given by the Council of Ministers.

Lebanon’s first onshore petroleum law was first ratified in 1933 and later modified in 1974. The Ministry of Energy and Water will start preparing a new onshore oil law and legislations depending on the survey results.