Subscribe to Newsletter
  • MCDERMOTT Floating Facilities

logo

  • News
  • Projects
  • Business and Finance
  • Trending
  • Business Insight
  • Events
  • Online Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Home
  • News
  • Projects
  • Business and Finance
  • Trending
  • Business Insight
  • Events
  • Online Magazine
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Quotes by TradingView

Woodside seismic blasting project approved by NOPSEMA

02 Aug, 2023
Woodside Scaborough Project Seismic Blasting NOPSEMA Burrup Hub


The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has accepted Woodside’s Scarborough 4D B1 Marine Seismic Survey Environment Plan despite concerns.

Woodside will conduct a 4D baseline marine seismic survey (MSS) over the Scarborough and Jupiter field within Commonwealth waters, offshore Western Australia.

Also known as the ‘Burrup Hub gas project’, the data obtained will allow Woodside to assess gas reserves for its Burrup Hub and will serve as the first phase of the company’s broader project — Scarborough and Pluto Train 2.

Woodside’s proposed offshore development targets the commercialisation of the Scarborough and North Scarborough gas fields through subsea and surface infrastructures, wells and a gas trunkline spanning 430 kilometres.

The Scarborough gas project focuses on the export of LNG to overseas countries looking to transition from coal to natural gas.

CCWA Fossil Fuels Program Manager Anna Chapman said the decision to approve seismic blasting was ‘enormously disappointing’.

“This is an export-first, profit-driven fossil fuel proposal where both the gas and most of the profit will be sent overseas. West Australians have nothing to gain from Scarborough going ahead, but our state’s iconic and endangered species have so much to lose.

“The more we discover about the impacts of seismic blasting on marine life, the more it becomes clear that this is a highly invasive and distressing process for whales, dolphins, turtles and other creatures,” Chapman said.

The noise generated from seismic blasts can damage the hearing of whales, disrupting their breeding and feeding cycles.

According to the Statement of Reasons produced by NOPSEMA in acceptance of the project, the organisation recognises that Woodside’s Environment Plan did not demonstrate that the environmental risks would not be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.

However, approval was granted on the grounds that Woodside would adopt certain control measures — including the implementation of whale detection platforms and shutting down operations if necessary.

On 1 August 2023, protestors and camera crews trespassed and engaged in protest activities at APPEA Chair and Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill’s Perth home in City Beach.

APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “The industry respects the rights of protesters to demonstrate legally in public places, but the private homes and families of business leaders should clearly be out of bounds. This is a deplorable escalation of the intimidation and tactics used by activist groups to stifle informed public debate on the energy transition.”

Woodside’s seismic blasting activities is scheduled to commence 10 August 2023 and completed by 31 December 2023.

Related Articles

Venture Global secures $3b CP2 loan

Venture Global secures $3b CP2 loan

Woodside Energy reports strong reserves growth and Sangomar success

Woodside outlines growth and climate strategy at 2025 AGM

Woodside Energy in talks to sell stakes in Louisiana LNG project

Woodside and bp ink gas supply deal for Louisiana

Asian LNG imports plunge as high prices drive buyers away

INEOS and Covestro ink eight year LNG supply deal

Comments

Leave a comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Breaking

  • News
  • Projects
  • Trending
09 May

Woodside outlines growth and climate strategy at 2025 AGM

07 May

Trump threatens secondary sanctions over Iranian oil purchases

07 May

INEOS and Covestro ink eight year LNG supply deal

06 May

Exxon and Chevron face off over Guyana oil block arbitration

06 May

Shell boosts Ursa stake, strengthening Gulf leadership

15 May

Venture Global secures $3b CP2 loan

07 May

BKV and Comstock to develop carbon capture projects in Texas

07 May

Horizon Oil begins major Beibu Gulf drilling

07 May

Vaquero Midstream doubles capacity with pipeline expansion

07 May

Woodside and bp ink gas supply deal for Louisiana

09 Apr

The decommissioning challenge: How Australia and the UK can collaborate for success

14 Feb

Risks of subsea operations necessitate project lifecycle assurance

13 Feb

Global bunkering sees steady growth as demand rises

12 Feb

Offshore well integrity risk drives urgency for effective decommissioning regime

11 Feb

The role of Australia’s oil and gas sector shifts as energy markets make new demands

Online Magazine

    Current Cover
  • Login
  • Subscribe

Subscribe

Subscribe to Newsletter

Our Titles

  • Share on Newsletter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Twitter
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
© Sage Media Group 2025 All Rights Reserved.
×
Authorization
  • Registration
 This feature has been disabled
 This feature has been disabled until further notice, however you may still register
×
Registration
  • Autorization
Register
* All fields required