TGS-NOPEC announces new non-exclusive 2D seismic acquisition and reprocessing offshore Germany.

Nærsnes, Norway, March 18, 2002 - TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA (OSLO:TGS) today announced the start-up of a new non-exclusive 2D seismic survey offshore Germany. The 3650-km project, located in the western part of the German shelf, will be acquired by TGS-NOPEC's long time chartered vessel Zephyr 1. Following processing in TGS-NOPEC's processing centre in Bedford, final data will be available to the oil companies during the third Quarter of 2002.

Parallel to the new acquisition, TGS-NOPEC will commence a reprocessing project of approx. 6700km older data now being infilled by the new acquisition programme.

Both projects are heavily pre-funded.


TGS-NOPEC is a leading global provider of non-exclusive seismic data and associated products to the oil and gas industry. Oil companies use this seismic data to explore for and develop oil and gas deposits. TGS-NOPEC specializes in the planning, acquisition, processing, interpretation, and marketing of non-exclusive surveys worldwide. The company places a strong emphasis on providing high quality seismic data and the highest level of service to the industry. TGS-NOPEC also offers proprietary seismic acquisition and processing services, as well as gravity and aeromagnetic surveys.