TGS and SLB are advancing with new multi-client surveys in one of the most promising offshore areas in the South American country for hydrocarbon exploration.
The Pelotas Basin, located off the southern coast of Brazil, continues to consolidate as one of the main exploratory frontiers in the energy sector. In this context, TGS and SLB announced the expansion of their 3D seismic acquisition activities through new multi-client studies aimed at improving geological understanding of the marine subsurface and supporting future exploration campaigns.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase the availability of high-resolution geoscientific data in regions with high exploratory potential, where oil companies seek to identify new offshore development opportunities.
Pelotas Basin Gains Relevance in Brazilian Offshore
The new project, called Pelotas Sul Phase 1, includes the acquisition of approximately 13,500 square kilometers of three-dimensional seismic data in deep waters off southern Brazil.
The campaign is being developed jointly by TGS and SLB with the objective of providing detailed information on the geological structures of the region.
According to TGS, data acquisition began following the mobilization of the seismic vessel Ramform Tethys in late 2025, and operations are expected to conclude during the third quarter of 2026.
New Data to Reduce Exploratory Risks
The seismic survey seeks to provide high-resolution images of the subsurface, enabling energy companies to assess with greater precision the presence of potential petroleum systems and reduce the uncertainty associated with future exploratory drilling.
Kristian Johansen, Chief Executive Officer of TGS, noted that the new campaign will provide valuable information to expand knowledge about a basin that is capturing growing attention from the international energy industry.
The company had previously announced the Pelotas Norte Phase I project, a 3D seismic campaign covering approximately 14,800 square kilometers distributed across 21 exploratory blocks in the same basin.
Brazil Strengthens Its Offshore Exploration Portfolio
The expansion of seismic programs in Pelotas reflects renewed interest in Brazil’s emerging basins, especially at a time when the major pre-salt discoveries have reached a more mature stage and the country seeks to secure new sources of long-term energy resources.
In addition to Pelotas, other areas such as the Brazilian Equatorial Margin continue to attract investments in geological and seismic exploration, driven by the potential to replicate successes observed in offshore regions of West Africa.
With the incorporation of new seismic data and the growing interest of international companies, the Pelotas Basin is positioned as one of the key territories for the next generation of offshore projects in Latin America.
Source and photo: https://www.tgs.com/