TGS, a seismic data company listed in Oslo, and Chevron, a major U.S. energy firm, have established a three-year capacity agreement for marine streamer and ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition services.
The agreement includes a firm commitment of at least 18 months, combining both OBN and streamer operations over the three-year period.
The partnership will involve joint efforts on seismic data collection initiatives, deploying TGS streamer and OBN teams to support Chevron’s exploration and field development activities.
Beyond acquisition, the collaboration extends to technological advancement across multiple geophysical domains, including survey planning, equipment innovation, data gathering, and integration processes.
The previously disclosed St Malo 4D OBN reservoir monitoring project in the Gulf of Mexico forms part of this framework and will commence the partnership without delay.
“This agreement not only provides crucial utilisation and visibility for both parties but also creates an opportunity for collaboration across our wider service portfolio,” said Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS.
This arrangement ensures steady operational deployment for TGS vessels and crews while offering Chevron predictable access to high-quality seismic capabilities. By aligning resources early, both organizations can optimize project scheduling and reduce execution risks in complex offshore environments.
The inclusion of the St Malo initiative—a multi-phase monitoring program designed to track reservoir performance over time—demonstrates immediate application of the agreement. Located in deepwater Gulf of Mexico, the project leverages OBN technology for enhanced imaging beneath salt structures, delivering detailed subsurface insights critical for production optimization.
TGS brings extensive experience in multi-client data libraries and advanced processing algorithms, complementing Chevron’s operational expertise in major hydrocarbon basins worldwide. The focus on joint technology development aims to improve data resolution, acquisition efficiency, and environmental performance during surveys.
Areas of innovation include adaptive survey designs that adjust in real time to geological conditions, next-generation node deployment systems, and integrated workflows that streamline from acquisition to interpretation. Such advancements support faster decision-making in field development and reservoir management.
For TGS, the deal secures long-term vessel utilization, a key factor in the capital-intensive seismic industry where asset downtime impacts profitability. For Chevron, it provides cost-effective access to specialized services without the burden of owning equipment, allowing flexibility across global portfolios.
The Gulf of Mexico remains a core region for deepwater activity, where 4D seismic monitoring has become standard for maximizing recovery from mature fields. The St Malo project exemplifies this trend, using repeated OBN surveys to detect fluid movement and pressure changes with precision.
Looking ahead, the partnership positions both companies to respond effectively to evolving energy demands. As offshore exploration targets more challenging reservoirs, reliable seismic data underpins successful outcomes. This capacity agreement fosters a structured environment for ongoing collaboration, driving value through shared expertise and technological progress.
Overall, the three-year framework reflects confidence in sustained offshore investment cycles and the enduring role of geophysical services in energy resource development. By combining operational scale with innovation, TGS and Chevron aim to set new standards in marine seismic efficiency and data quality.
