TGS Announces New Gulf of Mexico Multi-Client 3D Survey - Eastern Delta

Houston, Texas and Naersnes, Norway (4 January 2006) - TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) announced today that it will acquire a new multi-client 3D seismic survey in the Main Pass and Viosca Knoll areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The company has contracted Reservoir Exploration Technology AS (RXT) to perform the acquisition of the 1800 square kilometer survey utilizing a Vector-Seis Ocean Bottom Cable recording system. TGS Imaging will process the data with both pre-stack time and pre-stack depth migration algorithms.

The Main Pass/ Viosca Knoll area is a very mature hydrocarbon producing region and the TGS Eastern Delta program will be the first modern vintage, long offset (9000 meter) 3D data recorded in the area. Water depths in the survey area range from 10 to 400 meters.

“ TGS is pleased to be expanding its multi-client data inventory into this region of the Gulf of Mexico. The area has needed new data for some time now and the utilization of the RXT crew will allow us to span the gap between the shallow shelf production and the deepwater Mississippi Canyon area” said Kim Abdallah, Vice President of New Ventures in North and South America.

The Eastern Delta program will commence in January 2006 and is supported by pre-funding from multiple oil companies. Survey acquisition is expected to last approximately eight months.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) is a leading global provider of multi-client geoscientific data, associated products and services to the oil and gas industry. TGS specializes in the creation of non-exclusive seismic surveys worldwide. The company also provides advanced depth imaging solutions and software through its TGS Imaging division. A2D Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary, is the energy industry’s well log data marketplace offering the largest online database, immediate delivery, conversion services, data management services and worldwide well log data sourcing. The TGS family of companies places a strong emphasis on providing high-quality data and the highest level of service to the industry.

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).

Contact Information

John Adamick

VP, Business Development

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA

Contact via E-mail