Vessels Descend on South America for Next Seismic Surveys

Rising interest in exploring for large oil and gas fields offshore South America has provided opportunities for owners of survey ships. Norwegian owners are benefitting from increasing exploration and reservoir optimisation work, with new planned projects and contract awards. Two major companies have secured survey campaigns off Brazil and elsewhere in the region, both commencing in late 2026.

 

Details of the Activity

 

Survey vessels are heading south. They target South America. Exploration interest is rising. Reservoir work is growing. Norwegian owners benefit.

The activity spans several projects. New surveys are planned. Contracts have been awarded. These cover Brazil. Other areas feature too.

 

The Brazilian Survey

 

One company plans a major survey. It is a multi-client project. A partner joined it. It covers southern Brazil. It runs into 2027.

The survey follows an earlier phase. Phase one completed in 2026. A specialist vessel will work it. It tows multiple streamers. It covers a large area.

 

The Basin Appeal

 

The basin attracts strong interest. It is geologically promising. It resembles a Namibian basin. That saw recent discoveries. This draws attention.

The basin holds varied potential. Several play concepts feature. These span turbidite systems. Deepwater channels are included. Various traps exist.

 

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The Node Contract

 

A second company won a contract. It covers node surveys. It runs for three years. A major client awarded it. The area is undisclosed.

The contract uses specific vessels. One deploys node technology. Another provides source operations. Both will cross the Atlantic. They steam from the North Sea.

 

The Contract Structure

 

The contract has a phased structure. It includes firm workscopes. These span the first year. The third year features too. A middle phase follows.

The contract offers flexibility. It includes a framework. This allows additional projects. Operations begin in late 2026. They continue through 2027.

 

Significance of the Campaigns

 

The campaigns reflect rising demand. Exploration is expanding. Reservoir optimisation grows. Survey owners gain work. This supports the sector.

The campaigns mark milestones. One validates node technology. The other expands coverage. Both support client evaluation. They aid future licensing.