TGS, a leading provider of multiclient geoscience data for E&P companies, said on Jan. 14 it has completed the purchase of four 3D seismic surveys in the North Slope region of Alaska.

The newly acquired seismic programs provide modern high-resolution imaging which encompass 1,606 sq km (620 sq miles) with an additional 632 sq km (244 sq miles) to be acquired in 2020. The surveys, which advance TGS’ effort to expand into active frontier basins, are further complemented by TGS’ extensive well data library that will assist exploration companies to further evaluate new reservoir targets and rejuvenate historic discoveries. New project acquisition, Kuukpik 3D Phase 2, is fully supported by industry funding.  

“The addition of this data in Alaska is an exciting step for TGS and reinforces our commitment to assisting renewed exploration efforts in the region. I am very pleased to see the growth of our onshore portfolio into a historically productive region with tremendous potential for significant new hydrocarbon discoveries. Our unique combination of seismic and well data products delivers valuable insights into the North Slope for the best subsurface understanding available,” Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, said.

The North Slope of Alaska is a prolific oil and gas producing region of the United States with over 17 billion barrels produced since the 1960’s. Onshore and near-shore discoveries have proven reserves in structural and stratigraphic traps in numerous formations ranging in age from the Mississippian Endicott Group to the Oligocene Franklin Bluffs Member. Recent discoveries in the Cretaceous topsets of the Nanushuk formation have revitalized exploration efforts in the Western North Slope and provided analogues for additional similar stratigraphic discoveries in the Eastern North Slope.