TGS has completed reprocessing seismic data for Angola’s Block 16, aiming to boost exploration efforts in the Lower Congo Basin. This project enhances imaging capabilities for evaluating potential oil and gas reserves, marking an important shift for a block that has seen little activity since 2013. The initiative aligns with a growing interest in the region’s deepwater exploration opportunities.
Norwegian seismic firm TGS has recently completed reprocessing work on seismic data aimed at revitalizing interest in Angola’s Block 16 located in the Lower Congo Basin. This project, in collaboration with the Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (ANPG), highlights advancements in deepwater exploration, especially following several significant discoveries in the region.
The rejuvenated Block 16 GeoStreamer MC3D seismic dataset spans 3,684 square kilometers and utilizes advanced depth processing workflows. These enhancements provide improved imaging capabilities, facilitating more detailed evaluations of both post-salt and pre-salt target plays. Despite having been underexplored since the early 2010s and the last exploration well drilled in 2013, the renewed interest could change its status.
Traditionally, Block 16’s known oil and gas discoveries were limited, mainly to Bengo and Longa finds from the 1990s. Nevertheless, TGS’s recent analysis of the Lower Congo Basin indicates new oil recovery potential in Upper Miocene reservoirs located in the southern area of Block 16. Importantly, the dataset includes partial coverage of the Tchihumba field, identified in 2003, which has significant hydrocarbon-bearing zones.
In addition to Tchihumba, the dataset covers the Lumpembe-1 oil discovery from Block 15/06, which is currently under development studies. “TGS is very pleased to continue our support of exploration in this region with our high-quality seismic data,” expressed David Hajovsky, TGS’s executive vice president multi-client, highlighting the opportunities presented by these discoveries.
Moreover, TGS has been active in enhancing other West African seismic datasets, such as its Fusion 3D project offshore Sierra Leone, which focuses on the promising Vega prospect. Additionally, partnerships in Mauritania aim to solidify TGS’s standing as a premier provider of multi-client subsurface data, addressing the growing interest from international oil entities.
The completion of the data reprocessing for Angola’s Block 16 by TGS aims to stimulate renewed exploration efforts in the region. With significant reservoirs identified and the company’s commitment to providing high-quality seismic data, Block 16 is positioned for potential future discoveries. Recent global exploration trends further support the relevance of this initiative in the context of broader energy interests in West Africa.
Original Source: oilreviewafrica.com
