Interpretation and prospectivity of PPL 38202 Canterbury Basin, New Zealand.

PPL 38202 was awarded to BP Shell Todd (Canterbury) Services Ltd with effect from 1 May 1982. The initial 3 year period carries a commitment of 3450km seismic and 2 wells. Preliminary interpretation of seismic data acquired in late 1982 revealed the Clipper prospect as the only significant structural target in the licence area, on which the first commitment well has been recently spudded. Five stratigraphic onlap traps of Upper Cretaceous coal measures onto greywacke basement are also identified, one with a small structural component (Ketch). The major risks for these prospects is seal. The overlying sediments are likely to have a high sand content with poor sealing qualities.