Norwest-led group plans seismic survey over Xanadu oil discovery

Perth-based Norwest Energy Ltd., Triangle Energy Ltd., and 3C Group IC Ltd. have received regulatory approvals to proceed with the planned Xanadu 3D seismic survey in the offshore North Perth basin of Western Australia.

Project operator Norwest noted that ordering of long lead items for the long-planned survey can now begin.

Mobilization to the site will begin in mid-April and acquisition of data is scheduled to begin during the first week of May pending suitable weather. All being well, the results of processing and interpretation of the data should become available during this year’s fourth quarter.

Xanadu is in exploration permit TP/15 in Western Australian state waters about 300 km north of Perth. The prospect targets are Permo-Triassic sands from a depth of 800 m in shallow water immediately offshore.

Xanadu-1, drilled in September 2017, intersected hydrocarbon-bearing intervals, demonstrated by elevated gas readings, oil shows, fluorescence, and cut-fluorescence while drilling (OGJ Online, Sept. 18, 2017).

Subsequent oil and fluid testing confirmed a similarity with the oil produced at Cliff Head field about 14 km north, suggesting that Cliff Head could be used as an analogue in developing future exploration, appraisal, production, and development scenarios at Xanadu (OGJ Online, Oct. 26, 2017).

Norwest has awarded the new seismic program to Synterra Technologies. The TP/15 permit has some limited 2D seismic coverage and the company says that by acquiring 3D data the Xanadu structure can be mapped in much greater detail.

The pending 40-sq km survey is designed to fully map the northern updip region and the southern downdip region, extending out to the western flank of the structure.

A 5-year permit renewal was granted last year and the forthcoming 3D survey fulfils the first year commitment of the 5-year work program.

Partnership interests are Norwest 25%, Triangle 45%, and 3C Group 30%.