Geology

The two-month survey acquired high-quality 3D data.

Shearwater Geoservices, in partnership with Harvex Geosolutions, has conducted a 3D marine seismic survey on behalf of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Matrix Energy on blocks OML 100 and OPL 2010 offshore Nigeria

The two-month survey acquired high-quality 3D data using a towed-streamer configuration with an undershoot. The SW Duchess served as the primary seismic vessel, with the SW Gallien acting as the dedicated source vessel. The programme builds on Shearwater’s growing footprint in Nigeria and follows an expanding sequence of work in the wider West African region.

'Shearwater is pleased to complete this 3D towed-streamer and undershoot survey offshore Nigeria, which continues our strong relationship with TotalEnergies and builds on a programme of work in Nigeria and across the region', said Shearwater CEO Irene Waage Basili. 

Previously, the company has been in partnership with  the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to begin fresh multi-client seismic project, including 3D survey. The high-end vessel SW Duchess was deployed for the project. 

“This project underscores the growing momentum of our multi-client business and our key role in supporting exploration across key global basins,” Basili had said. “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.” 

The fast-track CDI25 seismic reimaging project covers an area of 6,555 sq km. (Image source: Viridien)

Viridien has started a seismic reimaging project in the Tano Basin, Ivory Coast, called CDI25, which explorers can refer to as a drill-ready multi-client dataset to unlock opportunities along the West African Atlantic margin

Viridien has been active in the Ivory Coast since the last four years, and CDI25 comes as an upgrade to this longstanding subsurface reimaging programme. With the deployment of digital processing and imaging workflows, including Ghost Wavefield Elimination, advanced de-multiple, and Time-Lag Full-Waveform Inversion will help deliver high bandwidth, enhanced deep imaging and sharp structural and stratigraphic details.

Covering an area of 6,555 sq km, the fast-track CDI25 results are expected by Q4 2026, before final deliverables by Q2 2027. Once out in the market, explorers will be able to access a seamless, basin-scale 3D seismic volume across 16,000 sq km of the Tano Basin.

With the recent discovery in the Calao Channel complex, explorers can use the dataset for invaluable subsurface insights to increase their chances of success in the region. To top it off, it can also be used to gain regional context into the adjacent acreage of the Baleine field for further opportunities such as lead maturation, de-risking, and further exploration delineation.

Dechun Lin, head of Earth Data, Viridien, said, “The recent Murene South and Baleine field discoveries highlight the growing importance of Tano Basin and the industry value of our multi-year reimaging programme. Viridien is proud to support exploration offshore Ivory Coast with cutting-edge data that is generating new insights to reveal further opportunities in this prolific basin.”

The results of the reprocessing will be out around Q4 2026. (Image source: Geoex MCG)

Following exploration successes from the Zafiro, Asen/Aleng and Ceiba/Okume fields in Equatorial Guinea, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development has now initiated a comprehensive reprocessing campaign in Rio Muni basin, which is anticipated to possess excellent geological promise

A survey over 9,600 sq km of the largely underexplored basin has been launched by Geoex MCG, in partnership with Perceptum and DUG Technology and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development.

Once the results of the reprocessing are out around Q4 2026, interpreters can enjoy the fruits of modern data and full waveform inversion (FWI) workflows, gaining influential insights from enhanced quality images. 

To target areas potentially eligible for exploration development, key down-dip plays within the Miocene and Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene intervals will be put to reprocessing. The L-1 and L-2 wells will be tied for attaining velocity and depth control. 

Equatorial Guinea, including offshore Sao Tome and Principe as per the Jaca well, is known to be rich in reservoir and source sequences, and the reprocessing team will be hunting for the entry points to especially access potential source rock presence in these regions. An in-depth understanding of the tectonic history will help delineate the largely coveted distal petroleum systems which holds the promise of vast volumes. The reprocessing will generate advanced images of high-resolution delineation of aged intervals in the region.

Sierra Leone has been working consistently to attract investment for its upstream sector. (Image source: Invest in African Energy)

Oil major, Shell Exploration Company BV, has secured interests in Sierra Leone with the signing of Reconnaissance Permit Agreement through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) during the Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum in Paris

Aligning with the country's strategy of derisking frontier acreage, the agreement allows Shell the rights to initiate advanced geological and geophysical studies across offshore G-Blocks that adds up to approximately 20,594 sq kms. The major will conduct seismic data quality control and interpretation, integration of well data, detailed petrophysical analysis, basin modelling, petroleum systems evaluation, identification of structural traps and reservoir fairways, and play-based exploration and prospectivity mapping.

“This agreement with Shell marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey to responsibly unlock the value of our natural resources. It sends a strong and credible signal to the global investment community… that Sierra Leone is open for business, underpinned by transparency, stability and strong governance,” said President Julius Maada Bio in a statement released by PDSL.

A major of Shell's kind will bring to the region the advantages of high-quality seismic data and advanced subsurface imaging ahead of future licensing rounds. “Signing this agreement...underscores Sierra Leone’s growing visibility on the global energy stage. Securing Shell as a partner is a strong validation of the work we have undertaken to strengthen our geoscience database and regulatory framework," said PDSL director general Foday Mansaray.

Sierra Leone has been working consistently to attract investment for its upstream sector by fostering transparent engagement with global operators. Data, transparency and credible partnerships remain central to the region's upstream ambitions.