Preliminary evaluation of data obtained by the 2016 Crocodile 3D seismic survey off the southeast tip of Timor Leste indicates the presence of more than 30 individual closed seismic structures at three geological levels—Jurassic, Triassic, and Permian—which are frequently stacked vertically and seen in 17 geographically distinct locations.
The 2,780-sq-km survey was carried out by the BGP Prospector 12-streamer geophysical vessel over the PSC TL-SO-15-01 block some 50 km southeast of the eastern tip of Timor Leste.
The block is midway between Timor and the controversial Greater Sunrise gas-condensate fields and lies exclusively within Timor Leste maritime boundaries.
Early this year, CGG was let a contract for a full prospectivity assessment that includes interpretation of the 3D data, and AVO analysis, play analysis, prospect ranking, and economics.
Initial results reveal a clear geological picture in the subthrust zone beneath the northern slope of the Timor trough.
A full analysis is not yet complete, but the size of the structures suggests potential for hydrocarbon accumulations relatively close to the Timor Leste shoreline. Of particular interest is the identification of Triassic and Permian formations, which are new to exploration in the region. Most exploration plays to date have focused on the Jurassic formations.
The Crocodile seismic program was funded by the Timor Leste government through state oil company Timor Gap EP, which was formed in 2011.