TGS Delivers New Higher Order Depth Imaging Projects in the Gulf of Mexico

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) announced today that it has completed several new multi-client higher order depth imaging projects that will be used to evaluate hydrocarbon potential in areas of the Central Gulf of Mexico prior to the Lease Sale in March 2009.

TGS has created the industry’s first multi-client Reverse Time Migration (RTM) product on the Stanley 3D survey. This migration covers an 8,900 square kilometer area (~385 OCS blocks) in the Green Canyon and Walker Ridge area of the deep water Gulf of Mexico that includes OCS blocks that received some of the highest bonus bids in recent years. The RTM algorithm shows improved imaging in the subsalt areas of this very structurally complex area. Final results of the project have been delivered to the early participating customers.

In addition, TGS has completed an anisotropic Kirchhoff depth migration on its Eastern Mississippi Canyon, Deep Resolve and Sophie’s Link 3D surveys. Anisotropic migration uses well data to calibrate the seismic to the true earth which provides better positioning and more accurate imaging of the subsurface. These new imaging products tie to the existing anisotropic migration that was previously completed in the Mississippi Canyon area. Upon completion of these migrations, TGS now offers 32,000 sq kilometers (~1476 OCS blocks) of contiguous and seamless anisotropic depth migration in the Central Gulf of Mexico. Said projects incorporated over 800 well logs in building the anisotropic model.

“The industry has embraced the proprietary imaging technology that TGS has developed,” said Robert Hobbs, COO of TGS. “The demand from our customers to use these algorithms to enhance our data library has been strong and has allowed us to expand on the success that we had in Mississippi Canyon.”

The RTM and Anisotropic Kirchhoff depth migration algorithms used in these projects are proprietary to TGS. All of the projects mentioned were underwritten by oil companies.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) is a principal resource for global geoscientific data products and services in the E&P industry. TGS specializes in the design, acquisition and processing of multi-client seismic surveys worldwide and delivers advanced high performance seismic imaging and software solutions. The Company also provides the world’s largest online well-log database, well data management services, multi-client interpretive products and subsurface consulting services to industry. The suite of integrated exploration data products available from TGS is distinctive and unmatched. The Company philosophy is to create unique high-quality data collected in the right place at the right time.

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS’ ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS’ ability to acquire and process data products at costs commensurate with profitability. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS).