Empyrean Initiates 3D Survey Over Its China Assets
Photo: COSLEmpyrean Energy has launched a 3D seismic survey over its 100% owned Block 29/11, offshore China
The Block 29/11 is approximately 1,800km2 and is situated approximately 200km SSE of Hong Kong in water depths ranging from 340-600 meters.
Empyrean has the right to conduct exploration under a ‘Geophysical Survey Agreement’ and a subsequent right to enter a pre-negotiated ‘Production Sharing Contract’ with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Empyrean has contracted China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) to complete the Survey. The Survey will cover an area of approximately 580km2 and is expected to take approximately 40 days to shoot. The data acquired will then be processed and interpreted, which will take approximately 90 days.
The Survey will cover a number of exciting leads and prospects that have previously been identified on 2D seismic by Ameco Corporation (now part of BP) and CNOOC on Block 29/11. These include Jade and Topaz, two significant prospects which the Company believes will benefit from the current 3D seismic programme.
The survey will also include the acquisition of 3D seismic over recent discoveries immediately to the West of Block 29/11. This cooperation between Empyrean and CNOOC is designed to enhance both parties’ technical understanding of the producing formations in the region and, specifically, over the areal extent of the survey. Empyrean has a 100% working interest in Block 29/11 during the Geophysical Survey Agreement period. Once the company has signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with CNOOC, CNOOC will have a back-in right to a 51% interest in the licence in the event of a commercial discovery.
Tom Kelly, Empyrean CEO, said: “We are very excited to make further progress in collaboration with CNOOC on Block 29/11. The block has two material prospects, Jade and Topaz, mapped on good quality 2D seismic data and the 3D seismic survey which is now underway will hopefully enable Empyrean to mature these exciting prospects for drilling. I look forward to providing further updates in due course.”
