TGS completes Gigante 2D shoot

Norwegian seismic survey firm TGS has completed its 186,000km2 Gigante 2D shoot in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mexico's hydrocarbons commission (CNH) authorized TGS to acquire multibeam, coring and geochemical analysis data in the area last August. Five seismic vessels had been contracted to acquire a dense, modern, long offset regional 2D seismic grid.

Gigante covers the entire offshore sector of Mexico and ties into TGS's regional 2D seismic grid covering the US Gulf of Mexico.

"Processing of the Gigante survey is ongoing with fast track PSTM and preliminary PSDM products available in advance of the scheduled licensing rounds," TGS said in a release.

"Early interpretations of the seismic continue to shed new light on the geology in this region. Combined with TGS' multibeam, coring and geochemical analysis this data is allowing geoscientists to evaluate the whole basin at a detailed level for the first time."

The company expects to complete the Gigante multibeam bathymetry coverage this month and the seafloor coring in December.

AUCTION

Mexico's first deepwater auction is due to be held on December 5. The auction will put four contract areas up for grabs in the Perdido belt and Salina basin and is expected to attract investment of around US$44bn, according to energy ministry estimates.