Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Limited and India’s largest private oil and gas exploration and production company, has partnered with Norwegian company, Electromagnetic Geoservices (EMGS), to acquire a 3D Controlled Source Electro-magnetic (CSEM) survey for its exploration campaign in the deepwater Krishna-Godavari block in the East coast. 

CSEM is a geophysical method used to map subsurface resistivity, enhancing hydrocarbon detection accuracy. EMGS is the global marine electromagnetic market leader having acquired data for global supermajors, throughout the world. Cairn is one of the early adopters of 3D CSEM survey technology in India.

The EMGS vessel, Atlantic Guardian, is currently acquiring data for the KGDWHP-2017/1 block using the advanced “Deep Blue” source system. It will continue to acquire data in the block over the next few weeks and thereafter process the data to provide far more accurate survey results of the deepwater block. 

The survey will help characterise and prioritise the extensive offshore exploration prospect portfolio within the block by integrating the gathered CSEM data with recently re-processed 3D seismic data to enhance subsurface model accuracy and reduce exploration risks.  

Hitesh Vaid, Chief Financial Officer, Cairn Oil & Gas said, 
“Cairn has been at the forefront of technology adoption for efficient exploration and production in India’s upstream sector.  Through our partnership with EMGS, we will fast track development of the deepwater block in line with our vision to contribute 50% of India’s oil and gas production.”   

“The acquired data will support definition of locations for exploration, appraisal and subsequent development, ensuring drilling decisions are based on the most accurate and comprehensive subsurface data. By leveraging the global expertise from EMGS and the latest advancements in CSEM technology, the KGDWHP-2017/1 block is poised for successful exploration and development, unlocking its hydrocarbon potential, added Sam Algar, Chief Exploration Officer, Cairn Oil & Gas.

Earlier in March 2025, Cairn entered a strategic alliance with a global technology leader to accelerate the delivery of integrated subsea infrastructure for deepwater projects in India. 

Cairn has over 4,500 sq. km. of offshore deep-water block in the KG basin, East-coast, with water depths ranging from 500 meters to 2,500 meters. The company intends to begin drilling in 2026 in a 3,600 sq. km. area having four gas discoveries and a large number of prospects with multi-TCF potential.

KeyFacts Energy: Cairn India India country profile   l   KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: EMGS