TGS preparing for Capreolus 3D seismic survey in Australia

Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has invited public comments for TGS-NOPEC’s Capreolus-2 3D marine seismic survey in the Carnarvon Basin.

According to a report from NOPSEMA, the survey proposal was submitted on February 26. The survey is now also open for public comment.

The purpose of the Capreolus-2 3D survey is to collect high-quality geophysical data about rock formations and structures beneath the seabed and assess the potential for new oil and gas discoveries.

It is a typical 3D survey using methods and procedures similar to others conducted in Australian waters. No unique or unusual equipment or operations are proposed.

The acquisition area comprises an area of approximately 27,649 square kilometers. The area is surrounded by a larger operational area of around 42,868 square kilometers for the purpose of line turns, run-ins, run-outs, seismic testing, and support activities.

The operational area at its closest is approximately 88 kilometers north of Karratha and 78 kilometers northwest of Pardoo. The seismic survey will be undertaken in water depths from 50 to 1,133 meters.

The survey will involve a single seismic survey vessel towing a seismic source array with a total volume of 3,480 cubic inches.

The seismic source will use compressed air to emit regular pulses of sound that reflect off the seabed and underlying rock formations. The reflected sound wave will be received by up to 12 hydrophone streamers.

During the survey, the seismic survey vessel will travel at a speed of approximately 4-5 knots, discharging the seismic source approximately every five seconds.

The survey vessel will typically acquire seismic data along a series of adjacent and parallel lines in a “racetrack” pattern. At the end of each line, the vessel will turn in a wide arc to position for another parallel line in the opposite direction.

The Capreolus-2 3D survey could begin as early as May 2020 and would be completed before December 31, 2023. Up to a maximum of 10,000 square kilometers may be acquired per calendar year between 2020 and 2023 – up to a total of 27,649 square kilometers.

It is estimated to take between approximately 95 – 195 days to acquire 10,000 square kilometers, including contingency time for potential vessel or equipment downtime and adverse weather conditions.

The precise timing of the survey is subject to NOPSEMA’s acceptance of the environmental plan, weather conditions, vessel availability, and other operational considerations, and will take into account the seasonality of environmental sensitivities, where practicable.

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