India has expressed dissatisfaction over a 2D seismic survey carried out by a Chinese ship in the Bangladesh part of the Bay of Bengal, intended to assess subterranean resources, Petrobangla officials have said.
Petrobangla has commissioned the Norwegian company TGS for the survey.
Bangladesh's part of the Bay of Bengal is situated between Myanmar and India. To fully understand the geological structure and resources of the area, it is necessary to survey some parts of the border areas of the other two countries.
A Petrobangla employee, requesting anonymity, said: “In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of geology, it is necessary to survey areas beyond the confines of the seabed.”
“International protocol dictates that neighboring countries should not object to scientific surveys of this nature. However, if any objections are raised, surveying across borders is not permitted,” they added.
As an example, the official said: "If we want to get the complete information of the Bangladesh part, about 10-12 nautical miles within the boundaries of India will provide us a complete picture of the geology."
“Similarly, a survey of 10-12 nautical miles in the Myanmar part will give an accurate idea,” they added.
Another official of Petrobangla said: "As the survey ship has to enter India and Myanmar's part of the Bay of Bengal, we have asked for their permission for the survey."
Regarding the matter, India has expressed dissatisfaction with the issue, the official said.
"Myanmar has asked for some information from us. We hope to receive their permission,” they added.
Responding to a question whether the survey would be called off if India does not give their consent over the issue, another Petrobangla official said: “No. We can still manage to have a rough idea of what resources we have underground.”
When asked if it was possible to use other ships instead of using Chinese ships for the survey, this official said: "We have given the responsibility to TGS. They will decide which vessel will be used. Naturally, TGS will work with the one that will provide a good quality survey at a cheaper rate. According to the agreement signed, Bangladesh has nothing to say here.”
The initial phase of the program will comprise a minimum program area of around 11,000 line kilometers.
However, the overall program plans to encompass around 32,000 line kilometers of multi-client seismic data covering most of offshore Bangladesh.
TGS would give the first report in May and the final report next year.
