TGS Advances Seismic Imaging Across Ghana, Norway, Canada Basins

TGS has launched three seismic data projects offshore Ghana, Norway and Canada, expanding its multi-client portfolio as explorers target frontier and underexplored offshore basins. The company signed an agreement with Ghana's Petroleum Commission for a project across the Keta Basin, alongside new 3D reprocessing campaigns in the Norwegian Sea and offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. All three projects are backed by industry funding and are intended to improve subsurface understanding, reduce exploration risk and support future licensing activity in their respective regions.

 

Scope of the Three Projects

 

The three campaigns represent a coordinated expansion of the company's data library. Each targets a distinct offshore basin across three separate continents. Together they combine new data integration with the reprocessing of existing seismic volumes. This dual approach allows the company to extract additional value from data already acquired. It also broadens the geographic reach of its multi-client offering.

The projects share a common purpose despite their different locations. All are designed to improve understanding of the subsurface in areas of exploration interest. Better imaging allows operators to assess reservoir potential with greater confidence. This in turn reduces the risk attached to exploration investment decisions. The work is intended to support future licensing and exploration activity across each region.

 

The Gulf of Guinea Project Offshore Ghana

 

The Ghanaian project proceeds under an agreement with the national regulator. TGS signed the arrangement with Ghana's Petroleum Commission to develop the Gulf of Guinea 2D-cubed project. The work covers the Keta Basin off the country's coast. Its first phase will combine 5,500 square kilometres of existing 3D seismic data. This will be integrated with more than 14,700 kilometres of 2D seismic data.

The output aims to deliver a unified view across a substantial area. The combined datasets will generate a 25,300 square kilometre unified 3D seismic volume. This coverage spans both shelf and deepwater areas of the basin. Producing a single continuous volume from mixed data types is central to the approach. TGS expects final products from the first phase to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027.

 

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Atlantic Margin Reprocessing in Norway

 

The Norwegian project focuses on reprocessing an extensive existing dataset. TGS has launched the Atlantic Margin South Reprocessing project in the Norwegian Sea. It covers more than 23,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data. Reprocessing applies newer techniques to data already acquired in earlier campaigns. This can substantially improve image quality without the cost of fresh acquisition.

The project deploys several advanced imaging techniques to address a specific challenge. It applies pre-stack depth migration alongside machine learning-based denoising. Dynamic Matching elastic Full Waveform Inversion forms a further element of the workflow. These methods are directed at improving imaging in volcanic geology, which has historically obscured underlying structures. Early products are expected in the third quarter of 2026, with the full dataset due in the second quarter of 2027.

 

Orphan Basin Work Offshore Canada

 

The Canadian campaign upgrades data in a frontier Atlantic basin. TGS has begun the Orphan3D PSDM Phase 2 reprocessing project offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. The work covers approximately 13,300 square kilometres of 3D seismic data. It focuses on the Orphan Basin, an area of continuing exploration interest. This represents a second phase of work on the same dataset.

The technical approach mirrors the emphasis on advanced imaging seen elsewhere. The project will use advanced Full Waveform Inversion alongside proprietary imaging workflows. These are intended to enhance the clarity of subsurface structures. The improved imaging supports exploration targeting Cretaceous and Jurassic reservoirs. Early products are expected during 2027, with final migrated volumes scheduled for the third quarter of that year.

 

Industry Funding and Exploration Impact

 

All three projects rest on financial backing from the industry itself. TGS confirmed that each campaign is supported by industry funding. This model allows operators to share the cost of data that multiple parties can license. Prefunding also provides the company with commitment before committing resources. It reflects the standard commercial structure underpinning multi-client seismic work.

The wider aim is to lower barriers to exploration in these basins. Improved subsurface understanding gives operators a clearer basis for evaluating acreage. Reducing exploration risk can encourage participation in areas that might otherwise be overlooked. This is particularly relevant for frontier and underexplored regions with limited existing data. Supporting future licensing rounds is an explicit objective across all three projects.