ION awarded contract to conduct 2D seismic survey of Somalia Puntland offshore margin

HOUSTON, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- ION Geophysical Corporation (NYSE: IO) and the Puntland Petroleum Minerals Agency (PPMA) announced that the PPMA has awarded ION a contract to acquire 8,000 kilometers of seismic data covering the entire Somalia Puntland offshore margin. The regional 2D multi-client survey, known as PuntlandSPAN^TM, is being conducted to support a future license round initiative and to assist the E&P industry in gaining a better understanding of the architecture of the sedimentary basin and the hydrocarbon potential of this unexplored offshore margin. Data acquisition is expected to begin in fourth quarter 2015.

In addition, the PPMA today announced the demarcation of its offshore territory into 25 exploration blocks covering 180,000 square kilometers of the Somalia Puntland seaboard.  In total, there are seven Blocks in the Gulf of Aden and 18 Blocks in the Indian Ocean that have been defined.  Block sizes range from 5,000 square kilometers in the inshore area to 25,000 square kilometers in the deeper water.

Dr. Issa Farah, the Director of the PPMA, commented, "The creation of the Block scheme is an important milestone in the development of oil and gas exploration within the jurisdiction of the autonomous State of Puntland. The PPMA is pleased to announce the availability of these blocks and looks forward to engaging with the industry to discuss their plans for the region."

Joe Gagliardi, Senior Vice President of ION's Ventures group, added, "We are very pleased to assist the PMAA in demarcating a block boundary scheme, which heralds an important step in their preparation for future licensing rounds offshore Puntland. The acquisition of the PuntlandSPAN data will provide valuable insight into the petroleum prospectivity of the region, and we are pleased to be a part of this ground-breaking program."

About ION

ION is a leading provider of technology-driven solutions to the global oil & gas industry.  ION's offerings are designed to help companies reduce risk and optimize assets throughout the E&P lifecycle. For more information, visit iongeo.com.

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The information herein contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements may include information and other statements that are not of historical fact.  Actual results may vary materially from those described in these forward looking statements.  All forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties include risks associated with the timing and development of the Company's products and services, the competitiveness of offers, pricing pressure, decreased demand, and changes in oil prices; and political, execution, regulatory, and currency risks.  Additional risk factors, which could affect actual results are disclosed by the Company in its fillings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-ks filed during the year.  The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE ION Geophysical Corporation

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