TGS has announced the launch of APEX 1, a multi-client long-offset ocean bottom node (OBN) acquisition campaign in the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). Node deployment for the project commenced in December 2025.
The acquisition phase is expected to be completed in late Q2 2026. Early products are scheduled for release in Q3 2026, with final data delivery anticipated in Q4 2027.
APEX 1 uses a denser node grid than previous ultra-long offset OBN programmes. It is designed as a stand-alone exploration dataset that does not rely on underlying streamer seismic coverage.
TGS noted that the survey is enabled by its enhanced frequency source technology and leverages the company's expertise in long-offset OBN acquisition and dynamic matching FWI (DM-FWI). This combination aims to provide a step-change in subsurface resolution and velocity accuracy.
The company said the project is supported by industry funding and creates a flexible exploration dataset for various geological objectives. This approach is intended to provide operators with exploration tools applicable in the Gulf of America and other offshore basins.
