HOUSTON, TEXAS (Ofelia Paredes, Energy Analytics Institute, 30.Apr.2025) — Cairn Oil & Gas has partnered with Norwegian company, Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS), to acquire a 3D controlled source electro-magnetic (CSEM) survey for its exploration campaign in the deepwater Krishna-Godavari block in the East coast on India.
CSEM is a geophysical method used to map subsurface resistivity, enhancing hydrocarbon detection accuracy. Cairn, part of Vedanta Limited and India’s largest private oil and gas exploration and production company, is one of the early adopters of 3D CSEM survey technology in India.
The EMGS vessel, Atlantic Guardian, is currently acquiring data for the KGDWHP-2017/1 block using the advanced “Deep Blue” source system. It will continue to acquire data over coming weeks. Thereafter it will process the data to provide far more accurate survey results of the deepwater block, Cairn announced on 30 Apr. 2025 in an official statement.
The CSEM survey will help characterize and prioritize the extensive offshore exploration prospect portfolio within the block by integrating the gathered CSEM data with recently re-processed 3D seismic data to enhance subsurface model accuracy and reduce exploration risks, Cairn said.
“Through our partnership with EMGS, we will fast track development of the deepwater block in line with our vision to contribute 50% of India’s oil and gas production,” Cairn chief financial officer (CFO) Hitesh Vaid said in the statement.
In early-Mar. 2025, Cairn entered a strategic alliance with a global technology company to accelerate the delivery of integrated subsea infrastructure for deepwater projects in India.
Cairn has over 4,500km2 of offshore deep-water block in the KG basin, East-coast, with water depths ranging from 500m-2,500m. The company intends to begin drilling in 2026 in a 3,600km2 area having 4 gas discoveries and a large number of prospects with multi-TCF potential, the company said.
“The acquired data will support definition of locations for exploration, appraisal and subsequent development, ensuring drilling decisions are based on the most accurate and comprehensive subsurface data. By leveraging the global expertise from EMGS and the latest advancements in CSEM technology, the KGDWHP-2017/1 block is poised for successful exploration and development, unlocking its hydrocarbon potential,” Cairn chief exploration officer Sam Algar said in the statement.
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By Ofelia Paredes reporting from Houston. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
