Laconia 3D Sparse OBN Survey - US Gulf
Advanced imaging for complex geology
The Laconia 3D sparse Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) survey represents a bold step forward in seismic innovation, engineered to meet the evolving demands of today’s energy sector.
As exploration targets grow deeper and more complex, Laconia delivers the clarity, confidence, and insight needed to drive smarter decisions—from frontier exploration to field development.
Spanning over 480 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks across the Garden Banks and Keathley Canyon areas, this is the long-offset largest low-frequency sparse OBN survey ever conducted in the region. It stands as a flagship example of how integrated acquisition, imaging, and delivery can come together in a single, high-impact solution.
Legacy full azimuth streamer 15 Hz RTM image overlaid with 6 Hz streamer FWI velocity (top) and Laconia Phase I long-offset low-frequency sparse OBN “early-out” 5 Hz FWI Image overlaid with corresponding velocity (bottom). The early-out demonstrates significantly improved imaging of the salt and the deep basin architecture, including potential subsalt reservoir targets in the Paleogene trend. The seismic sections intersect the Sparta discovery and the Kingsholm prospect (a dry well with oil shows).
Highlights
- Comprehensive coverage: Spans over 480 OCS blocks, approximately 11,180 km2
- Phase I: Fast-track data available now, and final data to be delivered May 2026
- Phase II: Fast-track data to be delivered Aug 2025, and final data to be delivered July 2026
- Phase III: Fast-track data to be delivered Apr 2026, and final data to be delivered Feb 2027
- Extra-long-offset, full-azimuth sparse OBN acquisition enhances diving wave penetration and subsurface illumination below the salt and down to basement.
- Sercel TPS™ (Tuned Pulse Source) is a breakthrough low-frequency broadband marine seismic source that enhances low-frequency content and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, which is critical for maximizing the resolving power of state-of-the-art FWI algorithm.
- Time-Lag Full Waveform Inversion (TL-FWI) produces a more accurate subsalt velocity model and delivers high-resolution imaging. Elastic FWI (E-FWI) further reduces velocity model artefacts, including the halo around sharp impedance contrasts (such as salt-sediment boundaries) and creates a cleaner FWI image.
- Industry-leading High-Performance Computing (HPC) enables scalable, rapid processing.
Driving exploration forward
The dataset is unlocking the Paleogene, the Gulf’s largest undeveloped resource, with imaging that reaches basement-level plays. Early-out results from Phase I have revealed multiple new prospects and significantly improved imaging of salt welds, minibasins, and low-velocity shales. Building on the success of Phases I and II, Viridien, together with our strategic partner TGS, announced the launch of Laconia Phase III in June 2025. Covering approximately 150 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) blocks in the Keathley Canyon area, Phase III is designed to deliver unprecedented insight into complex subsalt reservoirs. This next phase reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries of seismic imaging and supporting our clients in unlocking new exploration opportunities in one of the world’s most prolific deepwater basins.
Integrating geoscience expertise & technologies for new discoveries
Viridien's Laconia project is one example of how our teams integrate advanced geoscience technologies and data to successfully support energy companies in the search for hidden opportunities. In-depth geological knowledge and high-end imaging technologies offer the best possible and most accurate subsurface seismic images, helping energy companies reduce uncertainties and interpret and understand new plays.
Cutting-edge OBN to revolutionize subsurface imaging
During IMAGE 2024, SVP of Earth Data Americas Joe Zhou spoke with Ali Sloan from AAPG about the new Laconia 3D sparse OBN survey in the Gulf of Mexico, which will combine innovative imaging technologies to pinpoint complex sub-salt geometries and redefine imaging for deepwater exploration.
Why choose Viridien?
Partner with Viridien for industry-leading seismic data solutions designed to meet the demanding exploration needs of offshore US Gulf. Our advanced imaging technology and expertise, in-house HPC, and deep understanding of the Garden Banks and Keathley Canyon areas ensure you gain the competitive advantage you need for exploration success.
Whether you're evaluating new acreage or optimizing field development, Laconia delivers the data and insights to move forward with confidence.
“We’re seeing things now that we wouldn’t have believed possible 10 years ago.” — Peter Whiting, Head of Geoscience, Viridien
Laconia Project - Integrated and Innovative Technologies
From the highest quality subsurface imaging to innovative low-frequency broadband marine seismic sources and high performance cloud solutions, learn more about the technology breakthroughs used in the exciting Laconia project.
Elastic FWI
Overcome limitations imposed by acoustic assumptions with Viridien's proprietary elastic FWI algorithm that combines an elastic modeling engine with the time-lag cost function.
TPS (Tuned Pulse Source)
Achieve geophysical clarity by improving low frequency content with Sercel's TPS (Tuned Pulse Source) new marine seismic source.
High-Performance Computing and Cloud Solutions
Accelerate your AI, science and engineering with custom High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud solutions.