Viridien and TGS Announce Megabar Extension Phase I Multi-client Project Offshore Brazil
Viridien (NYSE:CGG) and TGS have announced the launch of the Megabar Extension Phase I multi-client 3D seismic survey project in Brazil's Barreirinhas Basin. The project will cover 5,300 sq km of offshore area, with data acquisition starting September 2025 using TGS's Ramform Tethys vessel equipped with GeoStreamer® technology.
The survey targets an unexplored area with proven geological potential, sharing characteristics with giant discoveries in Guyana and Suriname basins. Viridien will conduct imaging using proprietary TL-FWI and RTM technologies, with initial imaging products expected by Q3 2026 and final data in Q1 2027. The project, supported by industry funding, aims to provide explorers with early-mover advantages in upcoming bid rounds.
Viridien (NYSE:CGG) e TGS hanno annunciato il lancio del progetto multi-client 3D sismico Megabar Extension Phase I nel bacino di Barreirinhas, Brasile. L'indagine coprirà 5.300 km² offshore; l'acquisizione dei dati inizierà a settembre 2025 a bordo della nave Ramform Tethys di TGS, dotata della tecnologia GeoStreamer®.
Il rilievo mira a un'area non esplorata ma con potenziale geologico dimostrato, con caratteristiche simili alle grandi scoperte nei bacini di Guyana e Suriname. Viridien si occuperà dell'elaborazione delle immagini con le proprie tecnologie TL-FWI e RTM, con prodotti di imaging iniziali previsti per il terzo trimestre 2026 e i dati finali per il primo trimestre 2027. Finanziato dall'industria, il progetto offre vantaggi da early mover per gli esploratori in vista dei prossimi bandi.
Viridien (NYSE:CGG) y TGS han anunciado el lanzamiento del proyecto sísmico 3D multi-cliente Megabar Extension Phase I en la cuenca de Barreirinhas, Brasil. El estudio cubrirá 5.300 km² en alta mar; la adquisición de datos comenzará en septiembre de 2025 a bordo del buque Ramform Tethys de TGS, equipado con la tecnología GeoStreamer®.
La encuesta se centra en una zona no explorada con potencial geológico demostrado y características similares a los grandes hallazgos en las cuencas de Guyana y Surinam. Viridien realizará la imagen utilizando sus tecnologías propietarias TL-FWI y RTM, con productos de imagen iniciales previstos para el tercer trimestre de 2026 y los datos finales para el primer trimestre de 2027. Con financiación de la industria, el proyecto pretende ofrecer ventajas de early mover a los exploradores de cara a las próximas rondas de licitación.
Viridien (NYSE:CGG)와 TGS는 브라질 바헤리냐스 분지에서 Megabar Extension Phase I 멀티클라이언트 3D 지진 조사 프로젝트를 시작한다고 발표했습니다. 이번 조사에는 해상 5,300 km²가 포함되며, 데이터 수집은 TGS의 Ramform Tethys 선박과 GeoStreamer® 기술을 사용해 2025년 9월에 시작됩니다.
이 조사는 기회가 적게 탐사된 지역을 대상으로 하며 가이아나와 수리남 분지의 대형 발견들과 유사한 지질학적 특성을 보입니다. Viridien은 독자 기술인 TL-FWI와 RTM으로 이미징을 수행하며, 초기 이미징 산출물은 2026년 3분기, 최종 데이터는 2027년 1분기에 제공될 예정입니다. 업계 자금 지원을 받는 이 프로젝트는 곧 있을 입찰 라운드에서 탐사자들에게 선점 이점을 제공하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
Viridien (NYSE:CGG) et TGS ont annoncé le lancement du projet sismique 3D multi-client Megabar Extension Phase I dans le bassin de Barreirinhas, au Brésil. L'étude couvrira 5 300 km² en offshore ; l'acquisition des données débutera en septembre 2025 à bord du navire Ramform Tethys de TGS, équipé de la technologie GeoStreamer®.
Le relevé cible une zone inexplorée mais au potentiel géologique avéré, présentant des caractéristiques proches des grandes découvertes dans les bassins du Guyana et du Suriname. Viridien réalisera l'imagerie avec ses technologies propriétaires TL-FWI et RTM, avec des premiers produits d'imagerie attendus au T3 2026 et les données finales au T1 2027. Soutenu par des financements industriels, le projet vise à offrir aux explorateurs un avantage de premier arrivant pour les prochains appels d'offres.
Viridien (NYSE:CGG) und TGS haben den Start des Multi-Client-3D-Seismikprojekts Megabar Extension Phase I im Barreirinhas-Becken in Brasilien angekündigt. Die Untersuchung wird 5.300 km² Offshore-Fläche abdecken; die Datenerfassung beginnt im September 2025 an Bord des TGS-Schiffs Ramform Tethys mit GeoStreamer®-Technologie.
Das Survey zielt auf ein bislang unerforschtes Gebiet mit nachgewiesenem geologischem Potenzial, das Merkmale großer Entdeckungen in den Becken Guyana und Suriname aufweist. Viridien wird das Imaging mit den firmeneigenen TL-FWI- und RTM-Technologien durchführen; erste Imaging-Produkte werden für Q3 2026 erwartet, die endgültigen Daten für Q1 2027. Das projekt wird von der Industrie finanziell unterstützt und soll Entdeckern Early-Mover-Vorteile für bevorstehende Ausschreibungsrunden bieten.
- Strategic expansion in high-potential Barreirinhas Basin with proven petroleum systems
- First ultramodern 3D seismic data set in an unexplored area
- Project supported by industry funding, indicating strong market interest
- Leverages advanced proprietary imaging technologies for enhanced geological understanding
- Long timeline to final data delivery (Q1 2027)
- Significant investment in frontier exploration area with uncertain returns
Insights
Viridien-TGS partnership expands strategically valuable seismic data acquisition in promising Brazilian basin with industry funding supporting revenue visibility.
Viridien (formerly CGG) and TGS have launched a 5,300 sq km 3D seismic survey in Brazil's Barreirinhas Basin, extending their existing Megabar coverage in a region that shows geological similarities to the prolific Guyana-Suriname discoveries. This strategic move positions both companies to capitalize on growing interest in Brazil's equatorial margin following recent licensing rounds.
The project's industry funding indicates pre-existing client interest, providing important revenue visibility. For Viridien specifically, the company leverages its high-end proprietary imaging technologies (TL-FWI and RTM), reinforcing its position as a technical leader in subsurface imaging. This differentiation is crucial in the competitive energy data market.
The timing aligns with increased exploration interest in Brazil's northern basins, as evidenced by IOC licensing activities and the successful 5th Cycle Permanent Concession Offer. By providing the first ultramodern 3D dataset in this underexplored area ahead of future bid rounds, Viridien is creating an early-mover advantage for clients while securing its own market position.
While initial imaging products won't be available until Q3 2026 with final data in Q1 2027, the long-term nature of multi-client contracts should provide steady revenue recognition as the project progresses. This project represents Viridien's continued strategic pivot toward high-potential frontier exploration data services where margins typically exceed those of conventional seismic work.
Paris, France – September 4, 2025
Viridien, an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company, in collaboration with joint venture partner TGS, a global leader in energy data and intelligence, today announced the commencement of the Megabar Extension Phase I survey in the Barreirinhas Basin offshore Northern Brazil. The 5,300 sq km multi-client 3D seismic survey will be acquired by TGS and imaged by Viridien and builds on Viridien’s existing Megabar survey coverage.
The Barreirinhas Basin features proven petroleum systems and giant discoveries in adjacent Guyana and Suriname basins that demonstrate analogous deepwater plays. Recent licensing activity by IOCs along the equatorial margin, coupled with the success of Brazil’s 5th Cycle Permanent Concession Offer, supports growing momentum for the region.
Megabar Extension Phase I will be acquired in a promising area with proven geological potential but no existing 3D data. TGS will deploy the purpose-built streamer vessel Ramform Tethys, equipped with its proprietary GeoStreamer® technology, for high-quality 3D data acquisition. Acquisition is scheduled to commence in early September and conclude by late November.
Imaging of the Megabar Extension survey will be conducted by Viridien’s Subsurface Imaging experts, leveraging their high-end proprietary time-lag full-waveform inversion (TL-FWI) and reverse time migration (RTM) imaging technologies to provide enhanced geological understanding. This will help to reveal new play potential, improve prospect evaluation and de-risk exploration. Initial imaging products are expected by Q3 2026, and final data expected to be available in Q1 2027.
Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, commented, “TGS remains committed to support the energy industry with high quality data for exploration activities in Brazil’s equatorial margin basins. Geology in these basins share characteristics with discoveries in Guyana and Suriname, and Megabar Extension Phase I will represent a significant step forward in understanding geology in the Barreirinhas Basin. By applying our cutting-edge 3D data acquisition capabilities, we are confident the project will generate strong interest and deliver substantial value to our clients’ exploration programs.”
Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO of Viridien, commented. “We are pleased to commence this new Megabar Extension survey as part of our long-term commitment to unlocking high-potential frontier areas for new exploration opportunities in Brazil. Megabar Extension will give our clients an unmatched early-mover advantage in a strategic area of the underexplored Barreirinhas Basin in one of South America’s most promising exploration plays. With exclusive access to the first ultramodern 3D seismic data set in this area, explorers will be able to identify opportunities faster, make more confident decisions, and position themselves ahead of the competition for upcoming bid rounds.”
The project is supported by industry funding.
About Viridien:
Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resources, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,200 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).
Contacts
| Investor Relations Alexandre Leroy Tel: + 33 6 85 18 44 31 E-Mail: ir@viridengroup.com | Media Relations Sara Pink-Zerling Tel: + 33 6 37 57 95 44 E-Mail: media.relations@viridiengroup.com |
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