TGS, the energy data and intelligence firm, has secured a significant ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition contract in the Gulf of America. The 4D monitor survey, scheduled to kick off in the fourth quarter of 2025, will run for approximately four and a half months. While the client remains undisclosed, Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, confirmed it’s a repeat IOC (International Oil Company) customer—a vote of confidence in TGS’s OBN technology and execution.
The Gulf of America is a strategic battleground for seismic data providers. With aging fields and complex geology, operators need high-fidelity 4D surveys to squeeze more production from mature assets. This contract underscores the region’s importance to TGS’s OBN business, a segment that’s seen steady growth as operators prioritize reservoir optimization.
Johansen’s comments highlight why this win matters. Repeat business from an IOC isn’t just about technology—it’s about reliability. OBN surveys are complex, capital-intensive operations. If you’re an operator betting millions on a 4D monitor, you want a partner with a track record of timely delivery and actionable insights. TGS is positioning itself as that partner, leveraging its OBN tech and execution prowess to help clients maximize production from their most critical assets.
This contract also raises questions about the future of seismic data in the Gulf. As operators push for efficiency, will more turn to OBN for its high-resolution, time-lapse imaging? And as TGS expands its footprint, how will competitors respond? The Gulf of America remains a hotbed of innovation, and this deal is a reminder that the race for data supremacy is far from over.