Viridien and Aker BP Partner on OBN Seismic Programme to Strengthen Norwegian Continental Shelf Exploration

## Viridien and Aker BP Forge OBN Seismic Partnership in Norwegian Waters France-based geophysical services company Viridien — formerly known as CGG — has entered into a strategic agreement with Norwegian oil and gas operator Aker BP to advance hydrocarbon exploration on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), according to Offshore Energy. The partnership centres on multi-client ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic data acquisition, imaging, and technology development, with the aim of delivering higher-resolution subsurface intelligence to support exploration and production decision-making in one of Europe's most active offshore basins. ### OBN Technology at the Forefront Ocean bottom node seismic technology has become increasingly prominent in complex offshore environments, offering significant advantages over conventional towed-streamer surveys. By deploying autonomous nodes directly on the seabed, OBN surveys capture both compressional and shear wave data, enabling more accurate imaging beneath challenging geological structures such as salt bodies and basalt formations — conditions frequently encountered across parts of the NCS. For Aker BP, one of the largest independent operators on the Norwegian shelf, access to high-quality multi-client seismic data is a critical component of its exploration strategy. The company has been an active participant in NCS licensing rounds and holds an extensive portfolio of production and exploration assets across the region. ### Strategic Significance for Both Parties For Viridien, the agreement reinforces the company's commitment to the Norwegian market following its rebranding from CGG. The multi-client model allows seismic data to be licensed to multiple operators, spreading acquisition costs while generating recurring revenue — a commercially attractive structure in a market where exploration budgets remain under scrutiny. The NCS continues to attract significant investment, underpinned by Norway's stable regulatory framework and the Norwegian government's ongoing commitment to hydrocarbon development as part of a balanced energy transition strategy. Recent licensing rounds have drawn strong industry participation, reflecting sustained operator confidence in the basin's prospectivity. ### Industry Context The Viridien-Aker BP collaboration reflects a broader industry trend toward deeper integration between geophysical service providers and operators, with joint technology development increasingly viewed as a means of reducing exploration risk and improving data quality. As operators on the NCS pursue both near-field tie-back opportunities and frontier exploration, investment in advanced seismic imaging is expected to remain a priority. Further details on the scope and timeline of the OBN acquisition programme are anticipated as the partnership progresses.