The first exploration in almost 20 years in the Timor Gap between Australia and Indonesia is to get under way by the end of the month.
Operator Marathon Petroleum Australia plans to begun conducting seismic surveys on two permits in the Timor Sea, reports interest owner Santos Ltd., Adelaide. Marathon has commissioned a seismic vessel to acquire 3,613 line km of data on ZOCA 10 permit and 3,723 line km on adjoining ZOCA-11 permit. Water depths are 60-100 m. Plans call for two exploratory wells on ZOCA-10 and as many as seven on ZOCA-11. The first wildcat is expected to spud in late 1992. Santos has a 25% interest in ZOCA-10 and a 15% in ZOCA-11. Exploration in the Timor Gap is governed by a joint authority established by a 1989 treaty between Australia and Indonesia.
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