Abstract

Within the Spratly Islands, new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) slick data shows some encouraging correlation to potential migration pathways on published seismic, e.g. deep water Malaysia and other unexplored carbonate reefs. The use of very high resolution (VHR) imagery in the Phase 1 study has been critical in classifying features in accordance with UNCLOS rules. The "mystery" of the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands has been largely resolved by this accurate and up-to-date features inventory database. All claimants could use the same database as a common base map and help shorten the process of agreeing future JDAs. Results are relevant to the oil industry but also to maritime and environmental agencies, survey companies, and the legal & insurance sectors

Keywords: Scarborough Reef • Pinnacle Reef • West Palawan • Malampaya • Galoc • Phy Khanh Basin • Hai Thach gas condensate • LanTay Gas Field • Nam Con Son Basin • Sampaguita Field • Zhongsha Pateau • Nab Sha • Mischief Reef • James Reef • Scarborough Reef

Presented at: 2013 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2013