TGS, BGP, Staatsolie embark on seismic survey to map oil & gas deposits in shallow waters

December 8, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

Norwegian/American energy data and intelligence player TGS has kicked off a seismic survey in the shallow offshore area off the coast of Saramacca and Coronie to find oil and gas reserves as part of a joint project with Suriname’s national oil company (NOC) Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname (Staatsolie) and the Chinese Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP Offshore).

The seismic research, which began on November 20, 2025, is being conducted in an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers with water depths ranging from 20 to 50 meters. The high-quality seismic data that will provide information about the geology of the seabed will be collected to locate potential oil and gas deposits over the course of two months.

Staatsolie sees this survey as an important step in further exploiting Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential, aligning with the ‘Open-Door Offering’ that started on November 24, 2025, which invites international investors to participate in new exploration and development opportunities in the country’s offshore areas.

These initiatives are perceived to be in line with the NOC’s vision to position Suriname as an attractive and competitive destination for international investors. The seismic project is being executed by BGP Offshore and TGS, with the BGP Prospector 3D seismic vessel being used for the research, towing eight streamers, each 6 kilometers long, at a depth of 9 meters.

Suriname’s hydrocarbon player emphasized: “The research is being conducted on the basis of a multi-client agreement. This allows the consortium to collect and sell the data to third parties.

“Staatsolie owns the data, can use it for its own exploration activities, and receives a share of the proceeds from its sale. This model provides access to high-quality data without bearing the full costs.”

This survey comes shortly after Petronas and the national oil company revealed the declaration of commerciality (DoC) for the Sloanea discovery, enabling them to progress the development of this gas field off the coast of Suriname.

TGS has had a busy year, winning multiple new contracts and extensions, including its first ocean bottom node (OBN) survey deal in Europe for next year. The firm also recently completed a 13-basin reservoir characterization project in the United States.