Finniss Offshore Exploration Pty Ltd (Finniss) is the sole titleholder of exploration permit WA-488-P. Finniss is a wholly owned subsidiary of Melbana Energy Limited (formerly MEO Australia). Pursuant to an Operations Services Agreement dated 21 November 2017 between Finniss, Melbana and Santos Offshore Pty Ltd (Santos), Finniss has engaged Santos to perform certain operational services in connection with the acquisition of 3D seismic survey data over exploration permit WA-488-P, including undertaking the Beehive 3D MSS.
The WA-488-P permit is located in the Petrel Sub-basin in Commonwealth waters off northern Western Australia.
The Beehive 3D MSS is a typical 3D survey using methods and procedures similar to others conducted in Australian waters. No unique or unusual equipment or operations are proposed.
The survey acquisition area is approximately 975 km2 with a larger operational area (4,675 km2) around it to allow for vessel turns (line changes) and testing of equipment. The operational area is located in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, approximately 225 km west-southwest from Darwin, 65 km from the closest land at Cape Domett (in Western Australia), and 60 km from Yelcher Beach in the Northern Territory.
Water depths in the acquisition area range from approximately 30 to 50 m.
The survey will take a maximum of 30 days and will be undertaken within the period of 1 May to 31 October 2018 or 2019.
Santos management systems and processes will apply during the course of the Beehive 3D MSS.