ION Geophysical Corporation today announced that it has signed a multi-year, multi-vessel agreement covering marine acquisition technology with Norway-based Fugro-Geoteam AS (Fugro), a leading seismic service provider.

The agreement signifies a long-term commitment from both parties to continue developing and improving steerable streamer technology using ION's next generation Orca(R) command & control system and DigiFIN(TM) lateral streamer control and outlines the terms under which Fugro will further develop these technologies on its high end, 3D streamer-vessel fleet.

The next phase of collaboration between ION and Fugro is intended to ensure that marine acquisition technologies will meet the increasingly complex survey requirements of the future.

"Fugro is committed to providing a technical edge to our oil & gas company customers and it is important that we have advanced technologies to help improve image quality and reduce HSE exposure, while increasing productivity. As 3D streamer acquisition programs become increasingly complex, we are pleased to be further integrating Orca and DigiFIN into our marine operations," commented Dag Sigurd Stensholt, Vice President Operations of Fugro-Geoteam.

"Fugro and our customers have realized the advanced imaging and productivity benefits that Orca and DigiFIN have provided in multiple commercial 3D acquisition surveys."