TGS secures major seismic survey in Indonesia—Unlocking new exploration opportunities

TGS, a leading global provider of energy data and subsurface intelligence, has been awarded a contract to conduct a 2D seismic survey offshore Sumatra, Indonesia. The survey, announced in September 2024, will be conducted using COSL’s HYSY 718 vessel and is expected to cover between 5,500 and 6,500 line kilometers across two regions in the Sumatra basin. This project is part of TGS’s ongoing commitment to support exploration activities in Indonesia, a country with significant untapped hydrocarbon potential.

The seismic acquisition will integrate new data with TGS’s existing extensive 2D and 3D seismic datasets, which have been developed to help energy companies make informed exploration decisions. The survey is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, providing key data that can guide future exploration efforts in the region.

Earlier this year, TGS completed a multi-client 2D reprocessing project in the same basin. This project aimed to tie key discoveries to available open acreage, utilizing modern broadband pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) processing techniques. The combination of these datasets is designed to provide a clearer understanding of existing hydrocarbon plays and identify new exploration opportunities within the Sumatra basin.

Strategic Relevance of the Sumatra Offshore Basin

The Sumatra offshore basin is a region with significant hydrocarbon potential, offering diverse geological plays ranging from Miocene carbonates to Oligocene syn-rift clastics. Indonesia has long been a strategic focus for oil and gas companies due to its vast reserves and relatively low operational costs compared to other regions. With the global push for more sustainable energy sources, natural gas discoveries in Sumatra could play a vital role in meeting future energy demand.

By winning this seismic survey contract, TGS positions itself as a key player in enhancing the understanding of this geologically complex region. The 2D seismic data acquisition will provide crucial insights into subsurface structures, helping oil and gas companies reduce exploration risks and make more informed drilling decisions. This effort is expected to unlock new opportunities for exploration and development, not only for TGS but also for the broader energy industry operating in Indonesia.

Expert Insight: What This Means for the Exploration Sector

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, emphasized the significance of this project for the company and the industry. He highlighted that North Sumatra has been the site of major discoveries in the past few years and reiterated TGS’s commitment to advancing exploration in the region. According to Johansen, high-quality seismic data continues to shed light on crucial play concepts, extending exploration potential into open acreage and unlocking exciting opportunities within the Sumatra basin.

Industry analysts believe that acquiring new seismic data is essential for identifying prospective exploration targets and reducing exploration risks. The integration of new and existing seismic data could lead to a better understanding of the basin’s resource potential, making it an attractive destination for global energy companies looking to invest in Southeast Asia.

Future Outlook: Enhancing Exploration and Supporting Energy Security

With the successful implementation of the 2D seismic survey by TGS, the Sumatra basin’s geological understanding is set to improve, potentially attracting more national and international oil companies to invest in the region. As the Indonesian government continues to promote exploration and development activities, this contract with TGS represents a significant step toward revitalizing the country’s oil and gas sector.

TGS’s continued investment in seismic acquisition and data processing projects is likely to support Indonesia’s goal of boosting domestic energy production and reducing reliance on imported fuels. With an extensive global energy data library and advanced data technologies, TGS is well-positioned to provide vital support to exploration and production companies worldwide.

The 2D seismic survey offshore Sumatra reinforces TGS’s commitment to being a leader in energy data and intelligence, helping to unlock new energy potential in underexplored basins and contribute to global energy security.