The Capreolus Phase II three-dimensional (3D) Marine Seismic Survey (MSS) is proposed to be undertaken by Polarcus Seismic Limited (Polarcus) in Commonwealth waters of the Offshore Northern Carnarvon Basin and Roebuck Basin, approximately 135 km northwest of Port Hedland, 258 km north-northeast of Exmouth and 410 km west of Broome in Western Australia. The Capreolus Phase II 3D MSS will encompass two distinct survey areas (where seismic data acquisition will be targeted) within a larger Operational Area (which encompasses additional areas where vessel manoeuvring and ancillary activities will occur).
The Capreolus Phase II 3D MSS is scheduled to commence during or after the second quarter of 2016 and is expected to be completed over a period of approximately two years. The exact duration, scheduling and phasing of the survey is subject to seasonal restrictions, environmental sensitivities, availability of vessel and weather conditions
Seismic data acquisition will be undertaken by one to two Polarcus-owned and operated seismic vessels. The total proposed volume of the seismic source for each seismic vessel is 3,480 cubic inches and this will be towed a short distance behind each survey vessel at 5 to 10 m depth and at a speed of approximately 4.5 knots. A total of 12 solid hydrophone streamers each measuring between approximately 8 and 9 km in length will be towed at a depth of between 10 and 20 m below the surface and spaced 100 m apart with tail buoys used to maintain position and clearly indicate the streamer ends. Only one vessel will acquire seismic data in each survey area at any one time, although the two areas may be acquired either consecutively or concurrently (while always maintaining a minimum 40 km separation distance between operating seismic vessels).