Ophir complete 3D seismic survey in Aru, West Papua IV

By Godang Sitompul

Ophir Energy Indonesia, a subsidiary of UK-based Ophir Energy Plc, has recently completed 4,000 km2 3D seismic survey in two blocks, namely Aru PSC, offshore Maluku, and West Papua IV PSC, offshore Papua.

The data acquisition was started on August 23 and completed on October 16, 2016.

?At a time when other oil and gas companies canceled or delayed exploration activities, Ophir Energy has recently completed very large volume 3D seismic acquisition in Aru block and West Papua block. For this, Ophir obtained an award from SKK Migas,? explained Ophir Indonesia President Director, Anggoro Kasyanto to Petromindo.com on Friday, referring to the upstream oil and gas authority.

?Subject to the seismic processing and interpretation outcomes, we plan to drill a wildcat exploration well end of 2017 or early 2018,? he added.

Anggoro said that data acquisition was carried out by Pollarcus, using the most advanced technology, cutting down the number of total days required. ?Please also note that the data acquisition was completed safely, and practically without external/community issues,? he said.

Ophir has a 49.9 percent operating interest in the West Papua IV Block and a 60 percent operating interest in the Aru Block covering a gross area of 5,701 km2.

The West Papua IV and Aru Blocks were acquired from Niko Resources Limited in 2015.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak