Santos Gets Okay for 3D Survey Off West Oz

The Australian offshore regulator April 9 approved Santos’ proposed 3D seismic marine survey over a portion of exploration permit areas WA-435-P, WA-436-P, WA-437-P and WA-438-P off Western Australia.

At its closest point, the survey operational area is located approximately 45 km from the nearest land (Bedout Island), 56 km from the nearest mainland coastline and 141 km from the nearest regional town Port Hedland, said the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (Nopsema).

“The survey data is required to develop regional geologic models to inform the exploration permit retention strategy, and the potential location of future drilling of exploration and development wells,” Nopsema said.

According to Nopsema, Santos has confirmed that no seismic surveys will be undertaken in 2020. Santos plans to launch the full survey in 2021 or 2022. The survey will take at least 132 days to complete, with operations occurring on a 24-hour basis, Nopsema said.