The Zénaïde 3D MSS is a three-dimensional multi-client marine seismic survey proposed by Polarcus Seismic Limited (Polarcus) to be undertaken in Commonwealth waters located approximately 50 km off the Kimberley coast of northern Western Australia (WA). The Acquisition Area covers an area of approximately 2,860 km2 within the western Joseph Bonaparte Gulf of the Bonaparte Basin (title block WA-522-P) and is 60 km from the mainland coast in water depths of approximately 67 m - 97 m. The planned seismic source has a total capacity of 3,090 cubic inches (cui) and will be towed at approximately 4.5 knots a short distance behind the seismic vessel at depths of 5 - 10 m. Ten solid hydrophone streamers, each measuring approximately 8,100 m in length and spaced 150 m apart, will be towed at a depth of approximately 15 m below the surface. The seismic source will be discharged every 12.5 m (approximately 5 seconds) along a series of parallel east-west lines spaced approximately 750 m apart. The surrounding Operational Area incorporates the necessary space for vessel manoeuvring such as line run-ins, run-outs, line-turns source testing, soft starts and turns, refuelling and resupply, use of support and supply vessels as required, and crew changes.
The Zénaïde 3D MSS is anticipated to commence following the acceptance of the Environmental Plan (EP) by NOPSEMA and to be completed before 31st December 2018. The maximum acquisition duration is expected to be 45 days, and the maximum total activity duration within the Operational Area will be 60 days.