Chevron picks up new permits offshore Western Australia

Chevron Australia Pty. Ltd., Perth, has acquired three exploration permits in the north Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia.

The permits—WA-528-P, WA-529-P, and WA-530-P—are contiguous and cover 23,170 sq km. They lie in deep water north of the company’s Gorgon-Jansz and Wheatstone systems about 220 km northwest of Dampier.

Chevron Australia will operate the permits with a 50% interest and is joined by Woodside Petroleum Ltd., which holds the remaining 50%.

Nigel Hearne, Chevron Australia managing director, said the new permits strengthen the company’s position in the gas-prone region where it already has a significant established network of production systems.

Hearne added that offshore Western Australia is a global focus area for Chevron. The company has already discovered 50 tcf of gas resources and is working towards full commercialization through collaboration and efficient use of existing equity or third-party facilities.