Now that a final agreement has been reached with Sonangol E.P., TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Co. will begin acquisition of a 3D multi-client seismic survey offshore Angola covering about 12,500 sq km (4,826 sq mi).

The survey will start on blocks 36 and 37 in late January, then continue over block 35 with acquisition scheduled to complete during 3Q 2012. Preliminary products will be available to participating companies in 4Q 2012 with a final processed product expected by 4Q 2013. 

These are deepwater pre-salt blocks awarded by state-owned Sonangol to E&P companies in late December 2011.  The presalt hydrocarbon play off the coast of Angola lies between 2,000 and 5,000 m (6,562 and 16,404 ft) below sea level.