Our Environment
CGG, as a global participant in the oilfield services industry, recognizes that concern for the environment and quality of life is an integral part of the way in which we conduct our business.
Our public commitment, defined within our environmental policy, means that we are committed to reduce our environmental footprint and to strive to continually improve our environmental performance.
- CGG is engaged in participating in sustainable development initiatives by helping to protect the environment and to complying fully with applicable environmental regulations in the countries in which we operate throughout the World.
- CGG believes that economic growth, social responsibility and responsible management of the environment are the foundations of sustainable development for present and future generations.
- CGG recognizes that active concern and responsibility for the environment is an integral part of the way in which we conduct business.
CGG is committed to:
- Establish and maintain compliance, as a minimum, with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and industry standards for the protection of the environment;
- Promote environmental best practices within its activities, including the sharing of experience and the continued support of research and development in environmental improvement initiatives;
- Respect and protect environmentally sensitive areas and zones where endangered species are present;
- Develop and maintain open and constructive relationships with environmental groups, regulatory agencies, customers, institutions, communities and employees in the countries of its activities.
Technological Innovations
CGG has engaged into a fleet renewal program with new vessels of the X-BOW design compliant with the most stringent requirements related to environment protection.
These vessels comply with the DNV 'Clean Design' class, with specific requirements for emissions to air from energy producers, cargo handling systems and service systems on the ship, requirements for discharge to sea from energy producers, waste/sewage systems, antifouling systems, ballast water systems, handling systems and hydraulics
CGG - Part of a Global Industry Research Initiative
CGG is an active participant of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers Joint Industry Program (OGP JIP) - E&P Sound and Marine Life Program. The program objective consists of four parts:
- Afford a more comprehensive understanding of the potential environmental risk(s) from oil and gas operations
- Inform and update public decision makers, and regulatory development processes that affect our operations globally
- Determine the basis for mitigation measures that are protective of marine life, cost effective, and credible with outside stakeholders
- Feed into planning for efficient and environmentally protective E & P project development
CGG Research Initiatives
Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Field Trial in a Multi-Vessel Operation
CGG, in collaboration with one of its clients, has conducted in the Gulf of Mexico the largest deployment of PAM on any commercial seismic program. The aim of the program is to allow night-time ramp-up of operations in the event of unplanned silent periods during non-visual conditions.
The objective of the PAM experiment is to determine the effectiveness of PAM on multiple vessels utilizing existing telemetry technology in a wide azimuth environment where more than one vessel is used in the acquisition program.
This field trial was made possible because of the permission and support from the US regulators (Mineral Management Services – MMS).
Sound Source Verification (SSV) in Arctic Waters – Beaufort Sea
CGG has undertaken a sound source verification study in the Canadian Arctic waters of the Beaufort sea. The purpose of this study is to measure sound levels produced by seismic airgun array operations during an Arctic waters seismic survey. The field study is the second part of the overall acoustics program that included pre-season computer modelling.
The modeling study provided predictions of sound levels and distances from the survey operations at which sound levels were expected to reach thresholds representative of potential behavioral reaction by marine mammals. The purpose of the field measurement program is to validate the model predictions, and to provide confirmation that the exclusion zone radii are appropriate.
As a result of this study, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approved a reduction in the safety radius for water depths of 50-100m for this particular seismic set-up in this area. This was the first time that such a reduction has been approved by regulators.