Conducting surveys for exploratory drilling

Total, a multinational integrated oil and gas company, proposed a campaign to drill an exploratory well, with associated support, in Block 11 of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone to the south of the island. RSK took responsibility for developing documents for the campaign, including a scoping report, an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and onshore environmental and social baseline studies. The ESIA scope involved drilling the Onesophorus West 1 new field wildcat well, including drillship mobilisation, installation and demobilisation, as well as operating the onshore logistics base.

The ESIA included key issues such as drilling discharge and underwater noise. RSK undertook modelling studies to determine the effects of the campaign, and the results were incorporated into the assessment. A local consultant was engaged to assist in producing baseline environmental and social reports, and two rounds of public consultation were carried out, the first at the scoping stage and the second at disclosure of the ESIA draft. RSK took part in the consultations, presenting to government departments including the regulatory authority.