Exploring the Depths: TGS and Viridien Launch Laconia Phase III OBN Survey

Seismic firms TGS and Viridien have embarked on the Laconia Phase III ocean bottom node (OBN) survey in the Gulf of America, following the successful completion of Phases I and II. This new survey aims to expand the coverage of extra-long-offset-low-frequency full-azimuth sparse OBN data in the Paleogene trend.

The Laconia Phase III project, supported by industry funding, will cover approximately 150 OCS blocks in the Keathley Canyon protraction areas. The data acquired by TGS will be processed and imaged by Viridien to target challenging subsalt reservoirs that hold significant potential for exploration.

The Paleogene trend is a key focus area for oil and gas companies due to recent advancements in technology, such as the implementation of 20k technologies, which have enhanced exploration capabilities in the region. The acreage surveyed in Laconia Phase III is expected to attract high interest in future lease sales.

Acquisition for the Laconia Phase III survey began in May 2025, with the initial data products slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2026. Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, expressed the company’s dedication to providing top-quality seismic solutions to the energy industry.

“Laconia Phase III is a significant advancement in our ability to deliver advanced data products in one of the world’s most crucial offshore regions. Through collaboration with Viridien and the utilization of cutting-edge OBN acquisition and imaging technologies, we believe this project will bring immense value to our clients,” said Johansen.

Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO of Viridien, highlighted the success of the Laconia OBN program as a testament to the value of technological innovation in offshore exploration.

“Teaming up with TGS for Laconia Phase III allows us to leverage our strengths to produce a high-impact dataset in a highly prospective offshore region. The early results from Laconia Phase I have already garnered significant industry attention, showcasing the excellence of our advanced imaging capabilities,” Zurquiyah added.

The collaboration between TGS and Viridien in the Laconia Phase III OBN survey marks a significant milestone in offshore exploration, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements in seismic imaging technologies.