Statoil has awarded contracts to Norwegian seismic survey firm Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) and Schlumberger's WesternGeco seismic unit to conduct seismic surveys in the Norwegian sector of the south-east Barents Sea.

Encompassing an area of approximately 13,700km² in total, the surveys will cover blocks proposed for the 23rd concession round by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE).

According to Statoil, the company has 33 participating oil companies and is the operator for a project for joint acquisition of seismic 3D data from these areas.

Set to commence in April, the surveys are said to continue throughout the second and third quarter of 2014, with subsequent processing of data until the summer of 2015.

The project's main objective is to acquire 3D data as preparation for applications to the 23rd round in a resource-efficient manner.

The surveys will use broadband technology, which provides better resolution on seismic data, as well as a detailed interpretation of the subsurface.

According to Reuters, the Barents Sea, which is said to be an offshore zone bordering Russia, will be made available to oil firms for the first time.

WesternGeco services range from 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys to multi-component surveys for delineating prospects and reservoir management.

The company's seismic solutions include technologies for enhanced reservoir description, characterisation and monitoring throughout the life of the field, from exploration through enhanced recovery.