TGS, Allton to work together to speed up OBN operations

Together, the companies will work on deployment and recovery technology for ocean bottom nodes that do not require the use of remotely operated vehicles.

OBN acquisition has become an increasingly important tool for imaging complex subsurface structures and supporting exploration, appraisal, and field development activities. The TGS-Allton collaboration aims to broaden the applicability of these techniques by making OBN surveys more accessible and economically attractive in a wider range of operating environments.

TGS and Allton will work together to evaluate opportunities across multiple basins globally, supporting clients with improved access to high-quality geophysical data and enabling better data-driven decisions throughout the exploration and development lifecycle.

Under a confidential arrangement, TGS and Allton have agreed on exclusive rights and priority access to Allton’s A1 units, establishing a foundation for the companies to work together in bringing the next generation of OBN acquisition capabilities to the industry.

The Allton technology is designed to simplify the deployment and recovery of ocean bottom nodes, reducing operational complexity and creating opportunities to acquire high-quality seismic data more efficiently.

By reducing the cost and logistical barriers traditionally associated with OBN surveys, the technology has the potential to unlock exploration opportunities in emerging and frontier basins where conventional OBN solutions have historically struggled to meet economical thresholds.

TGS executive vice president marine data acquisition Carel Hooijkaas said, “This collaboration aligns with TGS’ strategy of delivering high-quality subsurface data through innovative acquisition technology.

“By combining TGS’ industry-leading geophysical expertise with Allton’s innovative deployment technology, we believe we can expand the range of projects where OBN can be deployed effectively and economically.”

The companies believe the technology can play a significant role in moving high-resolution seabed seismic imaging earlier into the exploration cycle. Earlier access to high-quality subsurface data can help exploration and development companies reduce uncertainty, optimize prospect evaluation, and make more informed investment decisions.

Allton chief executive Nils Haugestad said, “The industry continues to seek better ways to acquire the highest-quality seismic data while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

“The Allton A1 system offers the industry an economic way to acquire OBN data where it previously would be cost prohibitive. We are excited to collaborate with TGS to accelerate the commercialization and application of our technology across new and existing markets.”

Allton has also recently been awarded an OBN project by an unnamed major oil company to be executed in the third quarter in the Norwegian Sea. The project will be carried out jointly with Seismic Partner.

The survey will be utilizing Allton’s A1 free-falling node system for the autonomous deployment and recovery of nodes in water depths of approximately 1,350 m.

The survey will be executed as a single-vessel operation, with the vessel performing node deployment and recovery and seismic source operation. The project will utilize Seismic Partner’s Seisnode OBN technology.

The survey will validate Allton’s ability to effectively position and recover seismic nodes in deepwater without the use of an ROV survey vessel. Allton expects that its A1 free-falling node technology is able to reduce OBN survey costs with ROV vessel by 30-50%.