NOPTA has approved Emperor Energy’s application to extend the primary term of the VIC/P47 exploration permit in the Gippsland Basin.
Emperor Energy said the extension had been given based on two factors, the imminent availability of new seismic data that will be generated from the Multi Client 3D seismic acquisition completed across the Offshore Gippsland Basin, including the Judith Gas Field in Vic/P47 in July 2020 by CGG.
COVID consideration
The second criteria was the combined impact of COVID-19 on the petroleum industry.
The approval has extended the final date for drilling of the Judith 2 Exploration Well by 30 months from February 2021 to August 2023.
Emperor Energy Director Phil McNamara said: “It is pleasing to see that NOPTA has recognized the volume of work already completed by Emperor Energy towards progressing the exploration of the Judith Gas Field by providing this extension of the Permit Term. “The additional time will allow Emperor Energy to accurately assess the new seismic data, further develop planning of the well, and progress securing an Exploration and Development Partner for the project without the threat of a pending Permit Deadline.”
