Title:
250721006151: Application for Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the proposed 2D / 3D Seismic Survey Operations over the Area of Interest (AOI) covering the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) No. 106, Blocks 2011B and 2111A, Walvis Basin, Offshore Central Namibia
Publication Year:
2025
Abstract:

The Proponent, Oranto Petroleum Limited, is applying for Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the proposed 2D / 3D Seismic Survey operations over the Area of Interest (AOI) covering the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) No. 106, Blocks 2011B and 2111A, Walvis Basin, Offshore Central Namibia. The proposed 2D / 3D seismic survey operations will be undertaken over limited selected Areas of Interest (AOI) within PEL 106 and in water depth ranging between -1000m and -3000 m. The location specific seismic surveys projects will be undertaken over multiple annual surveys events subject to the Proponent being granted an ECC, favourable weather windows, and local receiving environmental conditions and sensitivities. Although the targeted PEL No. 106, Blocks 2011B and 2111A represents very large areas coverages, the actual likely location specific 2D/3D seismic survey projects will be limited to the specific areas with potential exploration leads / prospects. The proposed 2D/3D seismic survey activities are planned to be implemented during the favourable weather window from December 2025 to March 2026, excluding mobilisation requirements. The proposed survey will be undertaken using one (1) or two (2) third-party chartered survey vessels compliant to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and Namibian Maritimes legal requirements. Seismic survey method is the application of controlled generation of sound / acoustic waves by a seismic source to obtain an image of the subsurface. The generated acoustic wave that travels deep into the earth, is reflected by the various rock formations of the earth and returns to the surface where it is recorded and measured by receiving devices called hydrophones. In offshore environment, the energy source releases compressed air to generate seismic signals at regular intervals as the towing ship is moving. Signals reflected from geological interfaces below the seafloor are recorded by multiple hydrophones and transmitted to the seismic vessel for electronic processing. By analysing the time, it takes for the seismic waves to travel between the rock formations and the surface, geophysicists, geologists, and petroleum engineers use sophisticated software to create subsurface maps showing potential subsurface geological structures called reservoirs.

Item Type:
Report
Language:
en
Last date for commenting on this EIA: Thursday, 28 August 2025

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