In June 2007, MSI deployed 2 deepwater current measurement moorings in Block 31 offshore Angola for BP Exploration (Angola) Ltd. BP has a requirement to monitor the currents in the block in order to provide information suitable for designing field developments and establishing operational current statistics.

A short mooring, comprising 2 TRDI ADCPs, Nortek Aquadopp current meter and RBR CTD, was deployed in approx. 1650m water depth in a marked channel feature in the south east of the block. A longer mooring, comprising 3 TRDI ADPCs, Nortek Aquadopp current meter and RBR CTD was deployed in about 1470m at a designated location away from the channel (farfield). The channel may be the result of current processes active at the present time or in geological time and one of the objectives of the survey is to try and establish if strong near seabed currents are active in the channel and to contrast the channel currents with those in the farfield away from the channel.

Upward and downward looking ADCP in Flotec buoy at deployment MV Russel Tide used for deployments
Deployment of the moorings was conducted from the Sonatide vessel Russell Tide. Due to the high accuracy requirements in terms of mooring positioning, both moorings are fitted with Sonardyne mini transponder beacons and the channel mooring was lowered anchor first to the seabed using the vessel’s A-frame and winch. Once on the seabed the mooring was inspected by ROV to ensure it was located in the centre of the channel.

The entire mobilisation was conducted smoothly and without any HSE incidents, and thanks must go in this regard to all the BP personnel and vessel crew for their assistance.

For more information, please contact us.