Carnarvon Energy Ltd. will start exploration drilling in Bedout sub-basin exploration permits offshore Western Australia based on the interpretation of the latest 3D seismic data.
Partners plan to secure a semi-submersible drilling rig to drill two or three wells in the WA-435-P, WA-436-P, and/or WA-438-P exploration permits. Five prospects are currently preferred; Ara, Wallace, Wendolene, Starbuck, and Pavo South. The prospects contain 623 MMboe combined gross, unrisked Pmean material resources.
The Ara prospect in the northern half of the WA-435-P exploration permit could contain 549 bcf of gas and 91 million bbl of condensate (Pmean, gross) with 37% chance of geological success. Prospects within the Ara Cluster include Bandy, Yuma, Bara, and Wiwaxy. Ara could form the basis for a new gas-centric cluster in the north of Bedout sub-basin and significantly de-risk nearby prospective resources contained within a concentric gathering system, the company said.
The Starbuck prospect targets 113 million bbl oil and significant associated gas with 58% chance of geological success. Success at Starbuck would encourage new oil development in the east of the WA-436-P exploration permit and de-risk Fall Line, Coho, Tacoma, and Stampeders prospects which could feed into a future Starbuck development project.
Three additional areas have been identified around Wendolene, Wallace, and Pavo South. Wendolene and Wallace clusters are primarily gas-focused and Pavo South cluster are more liquids-rich. The Wendolene area includes prospects such as Mensa, Murray, and Avoca. The Wallace area has opportunities like Sampati, Bottlebrush South, and Calendula North. Nearby Pavo South are the Torin, Orona, and Taurus prospects.
Timing for the next round of exploration drilling in Bedout is dependent on regulatory approvals, and preparation of Environment Plans, as well as customary joint venture approvals.
