Geco Orion Sets New Towing Record

Schlumberger announced Geco Orion has become the first seismic vessel in the industry to tow 3,281 ft. spread unassisted. The spread was accomplished by deploying six 26,246 ft. streamers, each 656 ft. apart, and resulted in a vessel footprint of eight sq. km - reportedly, the largest ever achieved by any single vessel worldwide. Operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Geco Orion's latest record was achieved using the Schlumberger Geco-Prakla Mk 2 Monowing deflector system. This advancement of the original Monowing concept provides an unequaled lift-to-drag ratio and is critical in achieving such wide streamer separation. On her previous project, Geco Orion used the Mk 1 Monowing system, providing an 2,624.6 ft. spread to give a 6.4 sq. km footprint, a record in itself. Traditional deflector systems have an upper spread limit of 800 m, with wider separation possible only when using additional towing vessels. The additional vessels increase operating costs and result in a more complex operation.