ConocoPhillips Australia Reveals Possible Drilling Locations for Gas Exploration Campaign in Otway Basin

ConocoPhillips Australia (COPA), a subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered energy giant ConocoPhillips, has unveiled three potential drilling locations for its upcoming two-well gas exploration campaign in the Otway Basin off the coast of Australia.

Progressing in its exploration efforts for natural gas in the Otway Basin to cater to the domestic market, ConocoPhillips recently completed seabed surveys, marking a significant step forward in its operations.

The latest development in the Otway gas hunt saw the entry of Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) as a partner, covering two permits, VIC/P79 and T/49P, in Commonwealth waters adjacent to existing natural gas developments in the Otway Basin.

With plans to drill two exploration wells by the end of 2025, three potential locations for the drilling sites have been identified in VIC/P79. ConocoPhillips emphasized the importance of safety measures, stating that Petroleum Safety Zones will be in place around all three well locations from July 1, 2025, until March 1, 2026, in compliance with the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

The company will notify Relevant Persons, including marine users, prior to deploying anchors and mooring chains within the Petroleum Safety Zones to ensure operational safety.

Drilling Operations and Rig Deployment

While the specific drilling sequence is still being finalized, ConocoPhillips mentioned the possibility of minor adjustments to the well locations based on the seabed survey data assessment and the mooring plan finalization.

Transocean’s Transocean Equinox semi-submersible rig is scheduled to commence the drilling operations in Q3 2025 as part of the approved Otway Exploration Drilling Program (OEDP) off the coast of Victoria and Tasmania.