New Zealand to assess Sunda’s offshore Taranaki exploration submission
New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZPAM) has confirmed that Sunda Energy’s application for an offshore petroleum exploration permit in the Taranaki Basin has become exclusive.
The company had announced its submission under the New Zealand open market competitive process in mid-July.
The application is for 654-sq km of acreage in the Awakino area, in the northern part of the basin, west of the North Island. It contains the 1985 Awakino-1 and Awakino South-1/ST1 gas condensate discoveries.
Sunda’s proposed program involves technical studies of the well and field data, and reprocessing of 450 sq km of existing 3D seismic. The intention is to delineate the gas field for potential appraisal and development, and to assess the area’s wider exploration potential.
As no competing offers were made, NZPAM will review the proposal before determining whether to award the permit.
During the competitive period, Sunda held various introductory consultation meetings with local special interest groups.
About the Author
Jeremy BeckmanJeremy Beckman
Staff Writer / Editor, Europe
Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.
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