Hands full for TGS in Africa

Norway’s energy data and intelligence provider TGS has inked an agreement with Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy to integrate, enhance, and license additional subsurface data in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

The agreement permits TGS to expand its onshore and offshore data in Mauritania. The new data includes ten narrow azimuth input 3D seismic surveys, processed by ION in 2022 using 3D pre-stack depth migration, resulting in a merged and migrated volume of 19,092 square kilometers. 

According to TGS, there are also approximately 84,000 square kilometers of 3D surveys from offshore block relinquishments, offshore and onshore wells, and about 20,000 line kilometers of onshore 2D seismic data in the Taoudeni Basin.

Offshore exploration in Mauritania has focused on the Cenozoic salt-draped channel plays, with the Chinguetti field discovery in 2001. Most wells have since targeted this play. Recent deepwater exploration has shown potential in the Cretaceous channel sand plays and shelf clastics above the carbonate platform, with untapped potential also existing in the carbonate platform and syn-rift areas, said TGS. 

“Mauritania offers significant hydrocarbon potential. These critical datasets will provide comprehensive subsurface insights, connecting drilled prospects to underexplored regions like the deepwater. When combined with TGS’ extensive database along the MSGBC basin, this will enable a thorough mega-regional analysis, enhancing understanding of analogs and variations along the margin,” said David Hajovsky, EVP of Multi-Client at TGS.

The company has also extended its deepwater ocean bottom node (OBN) data acquisition campaign in West Africa. This additional program for a “major customer” will extend acquisition cooperation into Q4 2024. According to TGS, the project aims to deliver high-quality seismic data, enhancing the client’s decision-making capabilities.

“This continuing acquisition campaign demonstrates the vital role that OBN acquisition plays in providing our clients with superior seismic data. We are pleased to continue our efforts in West Africa and look forward to supporting our client’s needs with our advanced data solutions,” said Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS. 

In terms of TGS’ recent activities in Africa, the company has been tasked with providing offshore subsurface data insights into the maturity and distribution of source rocks off the coast of Tanzania, aiding in identifying hydrocarbon plays and enhancing the understanding of the region’s oil and gas potential.

The news comes after the Norwegian company won two new contracts for offshore data acquisition, one in Europe and one in North America. 

TGS secured a 45-day ultra-high resolution 3D (UHR3D) acquisition contract in Europe for an offshore wind project, which will see the Ramform Vanguard mobilize for the survey in the third quarter of the year.

Also, the company won a six-month-plus OBN data acquisition contract in North America with a “major” returning client. The project aims to enhance the client’s seismic data acquisition capabilities, enabling more informed decision-making.