Viridien unlocks 14,000 sq km of Guyana’s offshore potential beyond
French geophysical firm reprocesses 10,000 sq km of legacy 3D data to sharpen shallow-water exploration.
French geophysical firm Viridien has initiated a large-scale project to reprocess existing seismic data off the coast of Guyana, aiming to enhance exploration prospects beyond the ExxonMobil-operated Stabroek block. The first phase of this reimaging programme targets over 10,000 square kilometres of 3D data from four legacy surveys: Kaieteur, Georgetown, Kanuku, and Corentyne.
The reprocessed data will focus on improving subsurface imaging in shallow-water areas adjacent to Stabroek, where recent discoveries have significantly boosted Guyana’s offshore oil sector. Viridien plans to integrate this reprocessed information with newly acquired seismic data, creating a continuous regional dataset spanning more than 14,000 square kilometres. The company expects to release preliminary findings in the first quarter of 2027.
As the exclusive holder of commercialisation rights for these legacy datasets, Viridien has secured strong industry interest, though it has not disclosed the financial value of the project or the identities of participating companies. The initiative aligns with Guyana’s broader strategy to diversify exploration efforts beyond the highly productive Stabroek block.
Enhanced imaging for emerging exploration zones: Guyana
This project follows a March announcement by Guyana’s natural resources ministry, which unveiled a separate multi-client 3D seismic acquisition and imaging programme covering approximately 25,000 square kilometres of shallow-water acreage. The initiative involves Viridien and Chinese geophysical company BGP, targeting 11 blocks awarded during Guyana’s 2022 licensing round.
Under the agreement, BGP will handle new seismic data acquisition, while Viridien will apply advanced imaging techniques, including time-lag full-waveform inversion, to refine subsurface clarity. The combined efforts aim to support explorers in assessing new geological plays and infrastructure opportunities in Guyana’s expanding offshore sector.
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