Viridien
| Industry | Technology, Earth data, Natural resources, Energy transition |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | CGG |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | Conrad Schlumberger, Marcel Schlumberger |
| Fate | Rebranded from CGG to Viridien in May 2024 |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Raymond Maillet (President of CGG at founding) |
| Products | Geoscience technologies, seismic data processing, structural monitoring systems, digital solutions, HPC services |
Viridien (VIRI), previously known as CGG, is a global technology and Earth data enterprise dedicated to solving intricate challenges related to natural resources, energy transition, and infrastructure development.
History
The origins date back to 1926 when Conrad Schlumberger and his brother Marcel Schlumberger established Société de Prospection Electrique (SPE), which concentrated on exploration for oil and coal as well as civil engineering projects.
In March 1931, SPE joined forces with Société Géophysique de Recherches Minières (SGRM) to create La Compagnie Générale de Géophysique (CGG). SGRM contributed capital amounting to 5 million francs, while CGG added 120,000 francs. Conrad Schlumberger transferred the subsurface exploration activities to CGG, leaving logging operations under SPE. Raymond Maillet from SGRM was appointed President of CGG.
By 1954, CGG had acquired its first IBM 604 computer alongside an MT4 analog computing facility to improve data processing capabilities in the field.
The company conducted its first marine survey using two vessels but only one seismic source in 1958.
CGG opened its initial seismic data processing center in Massy, France in 1966.
In 1971, the firm pioneered 3D marine seismic exploration employing wide-line profiling techniques.
Veritas DGC
Veritas Energy Services was founded in 1974 in Calgary, Alberta by David B. Robson through the acquisition of Rafael B. Cruz and Associates Ltd. Meanwhile, Digital Consultants Inc., launched in Houston in 1965, rebranded as Digicon Inc. (DGC) in 1969 and later became publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange.
Innovations included the introduction of the SN348 single-channel cable telemetry system in 1977 designed for harsh environments, commercial implementation of depth migration in 1979, and conducting 4D seismic surveys starting in 1994. The merger of Veritas and Digicon in 1996 gave rise to Veritas DGC. By the year 2000, the company had achieved pioneering work in imaging time-lapse (4D) seismic data for carbon capture injection monitoring.
CGGVeritas
In 2007, a merger with North American Veritas resulted in the formation of CGGVeritas. The company expanded further by acquiring Norwegian firm Wavefield Inseis in December 2008.
CGG
September 2012 marked CGGVeritas’s acquisition of Fugro's Geoscience Division for €1.2 billion, followed by a rebranding to CGG. The organization enhanced its imaging technologies through full-waveform inversion and reverse-time migration applied to extensive multi-client datasets across regions including Norway, Gabon, and the Gulf of Mexico during 2015. By 2019, CGG introduced time-lag full-waveform inversion methods and subsequently exited the seismic acquisition services business by 2020.
Viridien
In May 2024, CGG adopted the Viridien name to reflect a strategic pivot emphasizing cutting-edge technology and Earth data solutions.
Natural Resources
Viridien delivers specialized geoscience technologies aimed at sustainable management of natural resources with a focus on oil and gas exploration, mineral prospecting, mine development, and geothermal resource monitoring.
Minerals and mining: The company facilitates mineral exploration worldwide through geological modeling on a global scale, plate tectonic analyses, satellite-based alteration targeting, provision of geophysical instrumentation, software development for modeling purposes, as well as oversight of mining operations and tailings storage facilities.
Geothermal: Viridien provides comprehensive global screening datasets alongside full lifecycle services for geothermal assets that include data analytics, resource evaluation, reservoir characterization, and production monitoring.
Environmental
Viridien utilizes advanced analytics and satellite Earth observation to provide detailed insights into the effects of human activities on the environment. Their expertise encompasses comprehensive analysis of terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric data through remote sensing, machine learning algorithms, data analytics, and high-performance computing (HPC) resources.
A significant contribution from Viridien includes participation in microplastics pollution assessments that aided in establishing a Plastic Free zone at Yr Wydffa (Snowdon), reflecting their dedication to supporting environmental preservation efforts.
Infrastructure
The company applies state-of-the-art monitoring technologies alongside digital twin frameworks to evaluate the durability, condition, and maintenance requirements of infrastructure assets. Through its Sercel Structural Monitoring systems, Viridien facilitates early identification of potential structural faults, thereby enhancing safety and structural reliability.
One notable engagement is the "Connected Bridges" project commissioned by a French public authority, where Viridien deployed autonomous sensor networks integrated with cloud-based signal processing to elevate infrastructure monitoring performance.
Energy Transition
Viridien concentrates on monitoring geothermal projects, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and managing mineral resources essential for advancing the energy transition.
They supply critical datasets for locating and assessing geological carbon storage opportunities and conduct subsurface risk assessments and surveillance to expedite project timelines while mitigating associated hazards. Furthermore, Viridien promotes responsible mineral resource management aligned with sustainable energy development objectives.
Digital
The company delivers comprehensive digital solutions encompassing data management, transformation processes, machine learning applications, and cloud infrastructure services. In 2023, its UK-based HPC center increased global high-performance computing capacity to 500 petaflops, significantly enhancing its commercial AI cloud offerings.
Organization
Viridien’s operations are divided into two primary segments: • Data, Digital and Energy Transition • Sensing and Monitoring
Data, Digital and Energy Transition
This division focuses on geosciences including subsurface imaging, geological analysis, and reservoir engineering alongside Earth data services. Its expansive Earth data repository and digital platforms facilitate sustainable natural resource exploitation and support energy transition projects.
Sensing and Monitoring
Sercel specializes in designing and producing technologies for subsurface exploration, structural health monitoring, defense applications, and underwater acoustic systems.
Seismic Survey Controversies
In December 2023, the environmental organization Seaspiracy revealed that CGG obtained authorization from the South African government to conduct seismic blasting operations between Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha. This announcement triggered protests from environmental advocates and community groups, reminiscent of opposition faced during similar seismic surveys carried out by Shell PLC and Shearwater Geo along the Wild Coast in 2021.