NOPSEMA has approved Santos’ application for a 3D seismic marine survey in the Bedout Sub-basin offshore Western Australia.
The approval was granted on April 9, 2020.
The Keraudren Extension 3D Marine Seismic Survey area is located approximately 45km from Bedout Island, 56 km from the mainland coastline and 141 km from Port Hedland.
Future potential wells
The survey data will develop regional geologic models to assist an exploration permit retention strategy and potential locations of future drilling of exploration and development wells and the seismic survey vessel will sail on pre-determined lines towing streamers with hydrophones to determine the structure and composition of geological formations below the seabed.
The survey may be acquired in stages with the exact area acquired in each stage determined on operational and timing factors and in consultation with key stakeholders.
Santos has said it does not plan to survey the area this year and is targeting 2021 and/or 2022.
To avoid sensitive fish spawning and whale migration periods, the company has said the survey will only be undertaken between 1 February to 31 July in any given year.
The survey will take at least 132 days to complete operating on a 24-hour basis. The Operational Area is approximately 20,160km2 in water depths ranging from ~40-250 m.
