Spectrum ASA said it has acquired a multi-client master co-operation agreement with the federal government of Somalia for a 2D seismic data acquisition.

The agreement which allows Spectrum ASA to acquire approximately 28,000 km of long offset 2D seismic data offshore south Somalia, in the Indian Ocean, has been specifically designed to complement 20,000 km of existing seismic that was acquired in 2014.

 “This historic seismic data agreement will be the resumption of the exploration program of the hydrocarbon reserves of our country, which will be a turning point for the economic development of our nation.”Mohamed Mukhtar Ibrahim, minister of petroleum and mineral resources, told Oilreview Africa at the signing ceremony in Mogadishu.

The UK based Spectrum ASA has also been approved of the marketing rights for this data. All together, these seismic surveys will allow for the in-depth study of hydrocarbon prospectivity offshore Somalia, which is situated in close proximity to major discoveries offshore other East African countries. The company however will use its global reach in marketing both data sets and raise interest from the exploration industry.

Also present at the ceremony, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Prime Minister of Somalia, said, “Seismic data can lead to good decision-making and a guided exploration strategy.”