TGS initiates 3D survey offshore Senegal

TGS is acquiring a 3D survey offshore Senegal to support the country’s first offshore licensing round, which was launched last month. 

The company is partnering with GeoPartners on a 3D seismic acquisition to acquire additional regional data so that interested parties can gain greater subsurface understanding ahead of bid submissions. This latest standalone survey (SN-UDO-19) in northern Senegal is an extension of the recently completed SS-UDO-19 3D acquisition in southern Senegal. The survey has been designed to illuminate plays in ultra-deep water, enabling explorers to build on the success the basin has experienced with the Sangomar field, the GTA complex and Yakaar discoveries. The SN-UDO-19 survey is more than 70% complete, with fast track data available during the second quarter of 2020. The full dataset will be available by Q4 2020. 

The National Oil Company of Senegal, Petrosen, is offering 12 blocks in the MSGBC Basin, offshore Senegal. Final applications must be delivered to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on 31 July, 2020. TGS said that it also holds a range of data across this acreage, including 2D seismic, 3D seismic, multibeam and seafloor sampling solutions. 

The Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea Conakry (MSGBC) Basin which stretches along the West African coast is home to several recent high-profile oil and gas discoveries, both on and off the shelf. The palaeo shelf-edge carbonate trend, extending south of the Sangomar field has led many explorers to the region. 

Rune Eng, executive vice-president, Southern Hemisphere at TGS, said: ‘The launch of Senegal’s landmark licensing round is a seminal moment in the nation’s hydrocarbon history. TGS is delighted to be able to support this initiative with a full complement of regional data sets that should help E&P companies to de-risk their exploration activities as they seek to take advantage of a world-renowned oil and gas basin.’