Benthic, a global geosciences company, has begun operations for Equinor on a 4 month geotechnical campaign in the BM-C- 33 and BM-S-8 blocks located off the coast of Brazil. Mobilization of PROD3 (Portable Remotely Operated Drill) onto the MV Sable Chouest commenced in Niteroi on the 23rd November 2018 and field operations are expected to reach completion by April 2019.

The offshore work scope includes the collection of soil samples (depths ranging from 6m-60m), CPT testing, box coring and ROV work including feature and sub-bottom profiler confirmations. A coral survey and inspection, along with the installation of a cathodic protection system on 4 existing wellheads will be executed. Last, standpipe piezometers will be installed for logging pore pressure over a 1 year minimum time period. Following onshore and offshore laboratory testing, analyses and interpretation, the data will be used to determine slope stability and geohazard feasibility assessments, as well as geotechnical design (concept studies). Operations will take place in water depths ranging from 2,100m to 2,900m.

"Benthic is excited to partner with Equinor to execute this comprehensive ultradeep water campaign in Brazil," states Fabio Pereira, Regional Manager - Brazil. "Brazil is a key market for Benthic’s expansion and this project allows us to further prove our capabilities in Brazilian ultradeep waters. We are delighted to have both onshore and offshore employees joining our Brazilian team and look forward to future projects in the region."

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