Geology

The Nigeria Laide multi-client 3D survey. (Image source: TGS)

As Nigeria continues to build its domestic industry to attract global investors, seismic surveys remain an integral part of the process 

The latest research comes from the eastern Niger Delta, which is considered one of the country's most prolific hydrocarbon regions, covering approximately 11,700 sq kms. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has partnered with TGS and SeaSeis Geophysical Limited to announce the Nigeria Laide multi-client 3D survey, which focuses within the outer fold and thrust belt of the deepwater eastern Niger Delta. This area is marked with complex geological challenges such as stacked toe-thrust structures, elongate anticlines (e.g. Bolia–Chota), inner fold-and-thrust-belt geometries, and shale diapirs/mud volcanoes. 

These are addressed with the help of GeoStreamer dual-sensor system, long offsets, wide tow, and a triple-source configuration that are capable of generating modern broadband seismic data to support full-integrity PSTM and Q-PSDM through advanced Elastic FWI-driven velocity model building. This makes it easy for operators and explorers to finalise the next steps based on precisely acquired insights from otherwise inaccessible and challenging zones. 

"Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in the global supply of oil and gas. The expansion of our multi-client library in Nigeria in partnership with the government through the Laide 3D showcases our commitment to furthering hydrocarbon exploration in the region. By utilising industry-trusted acquisition solutions, TGS provides insights that accelerate exploration activity and allow operators to fulfil their exploration ambitions," said Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS. 

The modern, high-fidelity Nigeria Laide multi-client 3D survey is backed by industry funding, and comes soon after a survey in the western Niger Delta Basin that was announced by Shearwater last December. 

The survey spans approximately 12,600 line kilometers. (Image source: TGS)

Energy data and intelligence provider, TGS, has announced the Ultra Profundo multi-client 2D survey offshore Angola

The survey spans approximately 12,600 line kilometers, and Ramform Victory began operations earlier in Q1. Data acquisition is likely to be completed in around 100 days, with fast-track products available in Q3. Full data processing is scheduled for completion in Q2 2027.

The Ultra Profundo multi-client 2D survey marks the first 2D multi-client acquisition over Angola’s ultra deep-water areas since 2015 and aims to reach previously underexplored region. The survey delivers modern, long-offset seismic data critical for imaging complex pre-salt and top-salt structures as well as basin floor channel systems, significantly enhancing regional geological understanding.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, said, “Angola’s ultra deep-water margin represents one of the most exciting frontier exploration opportunities in West Africa. Our Ultra Profundo multi-client 2D program delivers high-quality seismic coverage needed to unlock pre-salt and sub-salt potential. By leveraging TGS’ acquisition and imaging capabilities, we will provide high-quality data supporting future exploration activities.”

TGS has secured more than 100,000 contiguous sq km of modern seismic data.

Energy data and intelligence provider, TGS, has tapped offshore Mauritania and the wider West African Atlantic Margin for a large-scale multi-client 3D seismic project called the Mauritania MegaSurvey 

With this initiative, TGS has secured more than 100,000 contiguous square kilometers of modern seismic data, which will add to its existing offshore Mauritania multi-client library. Strategically positioned for extension and integration, the move will allow TGS to give operators easy and one-stop access across the offshore of Mauritania, making possible the regional interpretation of the full source to sink from nearshore to the ultradeep.

For an informed portfolio decision-making, operators can interpret complex regional-scale seismic with continuity across multiple exploration plays, simplifying robust basin screening and prospect maturation. The MegaSurvey's harmonised 3D seismic dataset over a large contiguous area eliminates uncertainties by ensuring confident geological interpretation backed by the clarity of structural and stratigraphic frameworks. Companies can leverage the survey for de-risking acreage evaluation before going ahead with drilling or licensing decisions.

TGS’ interests in the Mauritanian offshore is supported by the Mauritanian Ministry as its advanced datasets make the region attractive for exploration investment opportunities.

David Hajovsky, executive vice president of Multi-Client at TGS, said, “The Mauritania MegaSurvey delivers strategic regional value for our customers. By integrating with broader West African subsurface frameworks, the survey provides deeper insight into basin architecture and petroleum systems along the Atlantic Margin. This regional perspective enables operators to assess Mauritania in the context of neighboring proven and emerging basins, supporting play fairway analysis and a more robust understanding of cross-border geological trends.”

The Mauritania MegaSurvey further strengthens TGS’ multi-client leadership offshore West Africa and complements the company’s extensive portfolio of 2D seismic, 3D seismic, and well data across the region.

The 3D survey is set to start in December 2025.

Shearwater Geoservices has partnered with Harvex Geosolutions and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to begin fresh multi-client seismic project offshore Nigeria

Supported by strong industry funding, the 3D survey is set to start in December 2025. Shearwater is gearing up to deploy its high-end vessel SW Duchess for the project, whereby it will be operational over a period of two months. It will heavily support survey work for extracting high-resolution subsurface data across the Western Niger Delta Basin which, in turn, will influence significant exploration decisions and future license rounds in one of West Africa’s most prospective oil and gas regions.

“This project underscores the growing momentum of our multi-client business and our key role in supporting exploration across key global basins,” said Irene Waage Basili, CEO of Shearwater. “By investing in high-quality seismic data, where we can both capture rapid returns and create longer-term value, we are enabling smarter decisions and helping to shape the future of energy security in West Africa and beyond.” 

Previously, Shearwater also announced service contract offshore Ghana, carrying out the region's first deepwater Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic survey in the Jubilee and TEN fields. This contract was a result of the company's already well-established presence in West African regions, including the deployment of the SW Tasman vessel and Pearl node OBN platform. Since late 2024, these platforms have been instrumental in conducting OBN surveys across the region, starting with Côte d'Ivoire, and continuing with surveys in Angola.