Zawtika Field, Block M9 – Myanmar
Geotechnical site investigation supporting the development of an offshore gas field.
Project Snapshot
Project Owner and Awarding Client: PTTEP International Limited – Yangon Branch
Main Contractor: Enviros Survey & Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
Seahorse Role: Survey Contractor
Location: Zawtika Field, Block M9, offshore Myanmar
Service: Integrated Geosurvey
Period: 25 February–4 May 2024
Survey Vessel: Geo Mariner DP2
Water Depth: Greater than 100 metres
Seahorse’s First Offshore Geotechnical Survey Project
The Zawtika Field campaign marked Seahorse’s first offshore geotechnical survey project and an important step in the development of its Integrated Geosurvey capability.
The project was undertaken to obtain soil information for the development of Zawtika Field, including pile-foundation platforms and a pipeline end manifold.
PTTEP International Limited – Yangon Branch awarded the main contract to Enviros Survey & Consultancy. Seahorse participated as Survey Contractor, providing a dedicated survey vessel, marine crew, and technical team to execute the offshore fieldwork.
The campaign departed from Dong Xuyen Port, Vietnam, on 25 February 2024 and was completed on 4 May 2024.
Deploying Geo Mariner Offshore
The fieldwork was performed using an SH40 drilling rig equipped with a motion-compensation system onboard Geo Mariner DP2.
The campaign represented the first offshore deployment of Geo Mariner in its drilling-vessel configuration. Although the drilling and in-situ testing systems had completed sea trials, the Myanmar assignment was their first extended deployment under actual offshore operating conditions.
Vessel performance, drilling operations, technical procedures, equipment readiness, and coordination between marine and survey teams therefore had to function as one integrated system throughout the campaign.
Meeting Specialised Survey Requirements
The technical programme included specialised in-situ investigation activities such as PS logging and vane shear testing. These operations required suitable equipment, experienced personnel, and careful control of data quality in the offshore environment.
The campaign was conducted within a controlled 500-metre offshore zone and in water depths greater than 100 metres, requiring detailed planning and close coordination among the vessel crew, offshore team, client, contractor, and supporting parties.
Maintaining Progress Through Field Constraints
Limited satellite availability affected offshore communications during the assignment. Local fuel-support constraints also required additional coordination to maintain continuity.
The onshore and offshore teams adapted their communication and support arrangements as conditions developed. This allowed field operations to continue while keeping the campaign aligned with its planned programme.
The project was completed on schedule, demonstrating Seahorse’s ability to coordinate specialised geotechnical fieldwork under demanding offshore conditions.
Establishing a Stronger Survey Reference
The Zawtika Field project placed Geo Mariner, its drilling system, marine crew, and technical team into a long-duration international operating environment.
Successful completion of the campaign strengthened Seahorse’s experience in offshore geotechnical investigation, vessel-based drilling, marine coordination, and project execution. It also established an important foundation for the company’s subsequent development in Integrated Geosurvey services.
