From WesternGeco to SLB: Key Milestones
WesternGeco geophysical Services
All geophysical services previously provided under the WesternGeco brand continue through SLB.
Overview
WesternGeco was one of the world's leading geophysical services companies. In 2000 it became part of Schlumberger, now SLB, and its seismic data processing, advanced imaging, multiclient data library, and interpretation capabilities continue to be delivered under the SLB brand as Geosolutions and Exploration Data services respectively.
1933
Western Geophysical founded in California by Henry Salvatori, pioneering reflection seismology for petroleum exploration.
1994
Geco-Prakla formed through European geophysical company mergers under Schlumberger ownership.
2000
Schlumberger and Baker Hughes merge their geophysical divisions — Geco-Prakla and Western Geophysical — to create WesternGeco. Schlumberger holds a 70% stake.
2006
Schlumberger acquires Baker Hughes' remaining 30% stake for USD 2.4 billion, making WesternGeco a wholly owned Schlumberger subsidiary.
2018
Schlumberger divests WesternGeco's marine seismic acquisition fleet and onshore operations to Shearwater GeoServices for USD 600 million, retaining all seismic data processing, imaging, multiclient library, and interpretation services.
2022
Schlumberger rebrands globally as SLB. All remaining WesternGeco geophysical capabilities — processing, imaging, multiclient data, interpretation — are fully integrated into SLB's reservoir characterisation portfolio.
Today
WesternGeco capabilities are available through SLB's seismic and geophysical services portfolio.
What Changed in 2018, and What SLB Retained
In 2018, Schlumberger (now SLB) made a strategic decision to exit seismic data acquisition and focus on asset-light geophysical services. The marine seismic acquisition fleet vessels, streamer technology, and acquisition operations was sold to Shearwater GeoServices. All data processing, imaging, multiclient library, and interpretation services remained with SLB. Read the press release.
| Transferred to Shearwater GeoServices (2018) | Retained by SLB — available today |
| Marine seismic acquisition vessels (10 high-end vessels) | Seismic data processing and imaging services |
| Streamer technology and spares | World-leading WesternGeco multiclient data library |
| Source vessels and multipurpose vessels (MPVs) | Seismic interpretation consultancy |
| Acquisition manufacturing facilities in Norway and Malaysia | Multiphysics (electromagnetic and seismic) integration Geophysics processing software on Delfi™ digital platform Survey design and modeling Borehole seismic services |
Find WesternGeco Services at SLB
If you are looking for a specific capability previously provided under the WesternGeco name, the list below shows the current equivalents from SLB.
Multiclient data
Our world-leading, evergreen multiclient library provides critical subsurface insight to help you make the most informed decisions.
Seismic data processing
Address challenges from data calibration and regularization to attenuation.
Subsurface imaging
Turn imaging complexity into confident decisions Snippet: Advanced seismic and reservoir imaging.
Seismic Survey Design & Modeling
Address acquisition, data processing, seismic interpretation, and drilling challenges.
Seismic quantitative interpretation
Using the most advanced tools available, we provide consistency between all models and acquisition data.
Multiphysics imaging
Reduce uncertainty for E&P workflows by integrating seismic and nonseismic data, measurements, and methods.
Borehole seismic
Acquire high-resolution seismic images in and beyond the borehole.
Geosolutions software
Streamline your geophysical workflows, from seismic acquisition to production optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions About WesternGeco
Is WesternGeco still operating?
WesternGeco no longer operates as an independent company. In 2018, SLB (then Schlumberger) sold WesternGeco's marine seismic acquisition fleet to Shearwater GeoServices. All remaining capabilities seismic data processing, imaging, the multiclient data library, and interpretation consultancy continue under the SLB brand. If you are looking for a WesternGeco service, it is now available through SLB.
What happened to WesternGeco?
WesternGeco was formed in 2000 as a joint venture between Schlumberger and Baker Hughes, merging Geco-Prakla and Western Geophysical. Schlumberger bought out Baker Hughes' 30% stake in 2006. In 2018, Schlumberger sold WesternGeco's marine seismic acquisition fleet to Shearwater GeoServices, retaining all data processing, imaging, and multiclient services. When Schlumberger rebranded as SLB in 2022, all remaining WesternGeco capabilities were fully integrated into SLB's reservoir characterisation portfolio.
Where can I access the WesternGeco multiclient data library?
The WesternGeco multiclient data library is now managed and delivered by SLB. It remains one of the industry's most extensive seismic data libraries, covering key basins across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Access is available through SLB's Multiclient data page. Contact SLB's geophysical services team for data availability and pricing for specific basins.
Who provides seismic acquisition services now that WesternGeco exited that business?
Marine seismic acquisition services formerly operated by WesternGeco are now provided by Shearwater GeoServices, which acquired WesternGeco's fleet and operations in 2018 for USD 600 million. SLB retained all data processing, imaging, multiclient, and interpretation services. For seismic acquisition, contact Shearwater GeoServices at shearwatergeo.com. For processing, imaging, multiclient data, and interpretation, SLB is the correct contact.
All geophysical services previously offered under the WesternGeco brand are now available through SLB. Whether you need multiclient seismic data, advanced processing and imaging, or custom interpretation support, SLB's geophysical services team can help.
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