TGS has launched a 2D seismic acquisition program offshore West Papua in East Indonesia. The program adds 2,240 km of new 2D data designed to help evaluate the petroleum potential south of the Salawati Basin. The Salawati Basin is recognised as one of the largest oil basins in Eastern Indonesia with total cumulative oil production of more than 300 million barrels.

Data acquisition is now underway and is expected to conclude by the second quarter of 2010.

"We are committed to continued expansion of the Indonesia multi-client data library in areas with high exploration potential. This program represents a solid start for 2010 and TGS expects that it will be the first of a series of 2D projects this year, contingent on further industry support", stated Rod Starr, TGS General Manager - Asia Pacific.

The program has industry pre-funding and supports the Indonesia government's overall objective to attract exploration and raise declining production levels.

Tags: TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company