Viridien, the French seismic firm, has just made a strategic move that could reshape exploration in the U.S. Gulf. By acquiring the seismic field data from the Momentum survey, Viridien is expanding its sparse ocean bottom node (OBN) program, Laconia, by a significant chunk—around 143 Outer Continental Shelf blocks, or roughly 3,343 square kilometers. This isn’t just about adding data; it’s about sharpening the lens on one of the Gulf’s most promising areas: the northern Garden Banks protraction zone.
The real game-changer here is how Viridien plans to integrate this new data. By combining it with Laconia Phases I and II, the company aims to supercharge subsalt imaging—a critical challenge in the Gulf’s complex geology. The tech behind this push is cutting-edge: Sercel’s Tuned Pulse Source (TPS), which dives deeper into the subsurface, and Viridien’s own elastic full-waveform inversion (E-FWI). Together, they promise to cut through the noise of salt geometries and deformed shale, revealing fresh exploration opportunities in the Paleogene trend.
Joe Zhou, SVP Americas, Earth Data at Viridien, puts it bluntly: “Incorporating Momentum data bolsters Viridien’s deepwater OBN coverage and underscores our leadership in OBN imaging. It reinforces our commitment to cutting-edge Earth data solutions and advances our ability to illuminate complex Paleogene geology as Gulf exploration evolves.” This isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s about positioning Viridien as the go-to player for high-resolution, deepwater seismic in the Gulf.
But what does this mean for the industry? For one, it signals a push toward more precise, data-driven exploration. The Gulf’s Paleogene trend has been a hot topic, but imaging challenges have left pockets of uncertainty. By refining subsalt imaging, Viridien could unlock new prospects, making the region even more attractive for operators. It also highlights the growing importance of OBN technology. Unlike traditional towed-streamer surveys, OBN provides higher resolution and better imaging in complex geologies—critical for deepwater exploration.
The integration of Momentum data into Laconia could also set a precedent for future seismic programs. As exploration moves into deeper waters and more complex geologies, the ability to stitch together disparate datasets will be key. Viridien’s approach suggests a future where seismic programs are modular, adaptable, and built on a foundation of shared data.
Of course, challenges remain. Integrating new data with existing surveys isn’t always seamless. Ensuring consistency and accuracy will be crucial. But if Viridien pulls this off, it could set a new standard for seismic imaging in the Gulf—and beyond.
For now, the industry will be watching closely. If Viridien’s expanded Laconia dataset delivers on its promise, it could spark a wave of renewed interest in the Paleogene trend. And for Viridien? It’s a bold bet on the future of deepwater exploration—one that could pay off in spades.