Australian independent oil and gas company, Melbana Energy, kicked off the 3D seismic survey of the Beehive prospect in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, 225 kilometers southwest of Darwin.
The seismic survey is being carried out by the Polarcus’ vessel, Polarcus Naila, Melbana said.
The Beehive 3D seismic survey is being operated by Australian energy company Santos and is fully funded by French major Total and Santos.
The acquisition of a new 3D seismic survey over Beehive will provide potential for further de-risking of the prospect and will facilitate consideration of a preferred location for the Beehive-1 exploration well.
Total and Santos have an option to acquire a direct 80 percent participating interest in the permit in return for fully funding the costs of all activities until completion of the first well in the WA-488-P permit.
Beehive is located close to several existing facilities including the Inpex-led Ichthys LNG project and Blacktip field and pipeline offering several options for future gas monetization.
The Beehive prospect is potentially the largest undrilled hydrocarbon prospect in Australia, Melbana said.