TGS Kicks Off São Tomé and Príncipe 2D Pre-Stack Depth Migration Reprocessing project

11 August 2026
Edited By: Ed Freeman

TGS, a global provider of energy data and intelligence, in partnership with the Agência Nacional do Petróleo de São Tomé e Príncipe (ANP-STP), has announced the commencement of the São Tomé and Príncipe 2D pre-stack depth migration (PSDM) Reprocessing project.

(Credit: TGS)

The program covers a full reprocessing of 14,651 km of 2D seismic data, encompassing four input surveys originally acquired by TGS between 1999 and 2005. The data was previously reprocessed by TGS in 2014; this new project applies a modern, comprehensive workflow, combining advanced pre-processing with velocity model building via Dynamic Matching elastic Full Waveform Inversion (E-DMFWI) and Kirchhoff Prestack Depth Migration (KPSDM), to deliver a significant step-up in imaging quality and interpretation confidence.

Offshore São Tomé and Príncipe presents a demanding subsurface environment, with volcanic activity, shallow channelization, and pervasive mass transport complexes historically limiting the clarity of legacy seismic imaging and depth positioning of targets. The 2D PSDM Reprocessing project is designed to resolve these specific challenges, giving operators a clearer, more geologically consistent view of the subsurface in areas where earlier vintages of data have struggled to image.

By sharpening image quality in these complex settings, the project gives interested parties a stronger technical basis for prospect identification and maturation, supporting more confident investment decisions ahead of future licensing activity in the basin.

A priority subset of lines will be delivered within seven months, with final products for the full dataset expected in Q3 2027.

“This reprocessing project reflects our continued commitment to invest in the exploration potential of São Tomé and Príncipe’s offshore basin. By applying our most advanced imaging technology to this dataset, we are giving operators the subsurface clarity needed to confidently assess subsurface prospectivity, identify prospects, and assign budget ready for future exploration success,” said David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client at TGS.

“This project is one of many that underscores TGS’ broader commitment to supporting exploration success across the wider West African margin, where our sustained investment is helping operators de-risk plays and discover new opportunities ahead of acreage capture and support existing work commitments.”