“The primary aim of the Labatt 3D Seismic Survey is to mature the prospectivity of the western side of T-47P where the existing 2D seismic data has shown a number of potential structures in the vicinity of the Cormorant-1 well, which encountered oil in 1970,” Tap said yesterday.

Tap and its partners, Singapore Petroleum Company and Indian explorer Jubilant Energy, were awarded the permit in March. The area being surveyed is about 50km northwest of the Yolla gas and condensate field.

The survey began on Saturday, December 1 and is estimated to take about 30 days to complete.

“Final seismic volumes from the survey will be available for interpretation in the second quarter of 2008 and a rig has already been secured for two wells to be drilled early in 2009,” Tap said.

T-47P Joint Venture participants are Tap (operator) 40%, SPC Production Company 35% and Jubilant Energy 25%.