Carnarvon Energy reveals Bedout subbasin prospects
Carnarvon Energy Ltd., Perth, partner of the Santos-operated Bedout subbasin joint venture contemplating development of Dorado oil field offshore Western Australia, says over 100 prospects have been identified across the JV’s four permits and the top 20 contain total potential resource of around 1.5 billion boe (Pmean).
The permits (WA-435-P, WA-436-P, WA-437-P, WA-438-P) contain a broad range of play styles, the company said.
The top five prospects in each permit have been re-assessed following discovery of Pavo-1 in WA-438-P earlier this year with an eye towards potentially high-grading them to near-term drilling status. These top prospects all have potential for gas and liquids.
Discussions are ongoing to determine a location to focus a new drilling campaign.
Carnarvon nominated Pavo South (WA-438-P), Ara (WA-435-P), Starbuck (WA-436-P), and Flint (WA-436-P) as the top four prospects being high-graded for potential inclusion in new exploration plans.
Pavo South has potential to hold 66 million bbl (Pmean) which, if proven would bolster reserves at the Pavo discovery and enhance potential of the Torin prospect 15 km to the southeast.
Ara is seen as a potential gas-condensate prospect that has been brought to the fore by the reprocessed Zeester 3D survey. Success in Ara would enhance the potential of nearby Wendolene and Yuma prospects.
The Starbuck and Flint prospects are medium risk plays that will be high-graded through analysis of the Keraudren 3D survey and its areal extensions acquired in 2019-2022, the company said. Success in either would derisk prospects like Arthur to the northwest.
Santos is operator of all four permits with interests ranging from 70-80%. Carnarvon holds the remaining interests in each.