Norsk Hydro could be one of the first companies to deploy a permanent array of time-lapse seismic equipment on one of its producing fields as early as 2008 after investing in a specialist seismic technology provider.

Hydro’s New Technology Ventures fund has put NOK 18 million (US $2.70 million) into British firm Stingray Geophysical which has developed a permanent seismic array suitable for seabed installation which can provide repeat surveys over a producing field to show how a reservoir is depleting over time.

Two other companies Energy Ventures and Chevron Texaco Ventures have also put money into Stingray.

A Hydro spokesman told Offshore247.com: “We are participating in a joint industry project with Stingray. We have not decided where we will potentially come to use it: We have some prospects but that is all I can say.” He added: “Stingray has a plan for a first commercial delivery in 2008.”

BP is already deploying a permanent seismic array at its Valhall field to provide continuous seismic monitoring to inform future production decisions.

Hydro says the use of permanent seismic equipment has been limited until now because it is too expensive and the seabed cabling required to provide the array does not have had a long operational lifespan.

“Stingray Geophysical aims to be the first company to offer commercial solutions at an acceptable price and with a satisfactory operating life. This will open for increased use of permanent seismic technology, and it represents an interesting commercial opportunity for Stingray,” said Arne Frøiland, head of investment in Hydro Technology Ventures.