TGS Begins 2D Regional Multi-Client Project in West Sumatra

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company Pty Ltd (TGS) announced today that it began acquisition of a new 9,550 kilometer multi-client 2D survey offshore West Sumatra, Indonesia.

The new Sumatra survey is designed to complement the existing Northwest Sumatra and Sunda seismic, bathymetric and coring data acquired as part of the expansive TGS IndoDeep program. The IndoDeep program, previously referred to as Indonesia Frontier Basin, was acquired and interpreted from 2006 to 2008. It includes 34,000 kilometres of 2D seismic, 400,000 kilometres of multi-beam bathymetric data and 1,200 cores samples covering approximately 1 million square kilometers of Indonesia's deep-water basins. This integrated dataset continues generating significant industry interest.

The initial interpretation of the Northwest Sumatra and Sunda IndoDeep programs has indicated that all the elements of a potential petroleum system are present in the new survey area. Supported by industry funding, the new project includes both long offset 2D seismic and gravity data acquired by the MV Mezen.

“When TGS initiated the IndoDeep program in 2006 the company was confident it would help rewrite the geology of Indonesia," said Rod Starr, General Manager – Asia Pacific for TGS. He continued, “This new Seismic program offshore Sumatra was identified by the IndoDeep program and we are excited to include additional data in the area in order to clarify the hydrocarbon potential.”

TGS plans to continue its expansion of the IndoDeep program, as well as grow its reach across Asia Pacific with all its products and services. “Our offering of high quality multi-client seismic data with the latest seismic processing technology in the region is under constant development, stated Starr. “We will also introduce new offerings including geologic, interpretation, and well data services,” stated Starr.

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).