TGS Nopec Geophys. : Begins the Justice Wide Azimuth Project

Asker, Norway (January 6, 2010) ? Seismic acquisition has now been initiated on
the Justice Wide Azimuth (WAZ) 3D project  in the Gulf of Mexico
.  The Justice project is a
northeast expansion of the existing and contiguous Freedom and Liberty WAZ
projects. The survey adds more than 7,800 km(2 )of WAZ coverage to the TGS
portfolio and covers portions of the hydrocarbon rich areas of Mississippi
Canyon, Viosca Knoll, and De Soto Canyon.

Acquisition will continue throughout the first half of 2010 and upon completion
of Justice, TGS will have more than 27,000 km(2) of WAZ 3D in its data library.
These wide azimuth projects provide the industry with modern seismic imaging
covering the most productive oil producing area of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) provides global geoscience data products and
services to the oil and gas industry for the exploration and delineation of
hydrocarbon reserves.  We design and acquire multi-client data projects
worldwide that make up our data library of seismic, gravity/magnetic and well
data, enhanced by our seismic imaging technology and regional interpretation
expertise.  Visit TGS online at www.tgsnopec.com <http://www.tgsnopec.com/>.

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact
are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon
assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors
include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS'
ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to
acquire and process data products at costs commensurate with profitability.
Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the
forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to
update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange
(OSLO:TGS).

For additional information about this news release please contact:

Karen El-Tawil
VP, Business Development
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] 

Stein Ove Isaksen
VP, North and South America
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] 

Arne Helland
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] 


This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl
(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)


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