Norway-based marine geoscience and technology group Shearwater Geoservices has landed a three-year ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic acquisition contract in South American waters from a major oil and gas company.
Under the terms of the agreement, confirmed work phases fall in the opening and closing years of the three-year window, while a broader framework allows for further projects to be brought into scope during the same period.
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Shearwater characterised the award as “significant”.
Field operations are due to get under way in the final quarter of 2026, with both the SW Tasman and SW Gallien vessels expected to remain active throughout 2027.
The SW Tasman will handle node deployment using the company’s in-house Pearl technology, while the SW Gallien will deliver seismic source capability. A second phase of activity is then expected to start towards the end of 2028 and run for around ten months.
“This award marks a milestone for Shearwater’s OBN platform consisting of our internally developed Pearl technology and our one-of-a-kind Tasman vessel design,” said Shearwater CEO Irene Waage Basili.
“We are proud to have secured this position in South America and look forward to continuing our contribution into the successful development of one of the world’s most important offshore basins.”
The South American deal caps an active stretch for the Bergen-headquartered company, which has a global workforce of roughly 1,000. Earlier this month, Shearwater revealed a joint venture with SLB to carry out the Amapá 3D multi-client seismic survey in the waters off northern Brazil’s Equatorial Margin.
The company has called the programme one of its most significant multi-client commitments. Its coverage area lies around 130km from the Morpho well, the location of a previously announced hydrocarbon find.
In a further recent development, Shearwater received a seven-week North Sea OBN survey contract that will serve as the inaugural commercial outing for its newly fitted electric remotely operated vehicles.
