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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 63 (1979)

Issue: 10. (October)

First Page: 1680

Last Page: 1688

Title: Developments in New Zealand and Southwest Pacific Island Region in 1978

Author(s): H. R. Katz (2)

Abstract:

In New Zealand, 4 offshore wells were drilled for a total penetration of 10,423.9 m; 4 onshore wells totaled 4,807.3 m. The 15,231.2 m of combined exploratory drilling (all dry) represents a 61% increase. On land, 839.45 km of Vibroseis line was shot. Development drilling from Platform A of the offshore Maui field amounted to 32,477 m; production is scheduled to begin in May 1979. From the onland Kapuni field, production slightly decreased to 2,124.6 million cu m of gas (205.6 MMCFGD, down 6%) and 724,012 cu m of condensate (12,476 b/d, down 15.9%) but LPG and natural gasoline were obtained at higher rates, that is a total of 15,204 cu m (up 27.1%) and 8,414 cu m (up 17.3%), respectively. No private-company exploration concessions remain on land, whereas the government co pany, Petrocorp, has increased its holdings to 14,543.52 sq km. Offshore exploration concessions amounted to 478,651.58 sq km, of which 9,937 sq km expired in the first half of 1979.

In Tonga, 3 wells were drilled for a total penetration of 7319.6 m; they were all dry. Webb Tonga Inc. has exercised its option for an additional license area and now holds 6,000 sq mi (15,540 sq km).

In Fiji, a new Petroleum Act was passed which regulates all onshore and offshore exploration and production activity. Four license areas have been granted over a total of 11,911 sq mi (30,849.49 sq km).

In the Solomon Islands legislation is currently under consideration. Meanwhile, no exploration has taken place.

In Papua New Guinea, 1 well was drilled in the Papuan basin to a depth of 3,134 m; it was dry. Several concessions were surrendered and new ones were granted. Agreement was reached between Papua New Guinea and Australia on a Seabed Resources Delimitation Line in Torres Strait where a protected zone was established in which no mining or oil drilling will be allowed for at least 10 years.

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