Spectrum has commenced the first phase of its 11,000 km (6,835 miles) Rocket multiclient 2-D seismic survey in the South Carnarvon and North Perth basins offshore Western Australia, according to a news release. This phase comprises 4,200 km (2,610 miles).

The new acquisition program has been designed to complement the newly acquired Geoscience Australia research survey in the Houtman Basin. Additionally, Phase 1 of the Spectrum survey ties with wells DSDP 0263, Herdsman 1 and Pendock 1.

Several major source rocks are present in this underexplored area throughout both basins in Mesozoic and Palaeozoic units. These have been proven to source reservoirs in the North Carnarvon Basin, Spectrum said in the release. Several potential reservoir units are present throughout the basins and ample potential trapping structures exist due to the large scale faulting and folding from continental break-up. Spectrum intends to unlock the potential of this region through this new seismic program.

The seismic data is being collected by the vessel M/V Duke operated by GardlineCGG. Data will be acquired utilizing a deep tow cable and then processed by DUGeo in Perth, Australia utilizing its DUG Broad Deghosting. Pre-STM and Pre-SDM will be available, complemented by a multibeam seep study at the beginning of third-quarter 2015.

The survey has significant support from Total E&P, who has provided technical input on the survey design, acquisition parameters, and will be involved in the processing, the release said.