221114000321 - Application for Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for Proposed Multiclient or Proprietary 2D / Offs3D Seismic Survey covering Blocks 2010A, 2011A, 2010B, 2011B, 2111A,2110A, 2111Bb, 2111Ba, 2210A, 2211Ab, 2211Aa, 2211Bb, 2211Ba, 2212B, 2311B, 2311

The ECC is required by the Proponent (TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Limited) to conduct regional Multiclient or Proprietary 2D/3D seismic survey over a 199,000km2 Area of Interest (AOI) situated in the Lüderitz and Walvis Basins, offshore southcentral Namibia. The Proposed survey area (AOI) covers Blocks 2010A, 2011A, 2010B, 2011B, 2111A,2110A, 2111Bb, 2111Ba, 2210A, 2211Ab, 2211Aa, 2211Bb, 2211Ba, 2212B, 2311B, 2311A, 2312, 2411, 2412A, 2412B, 2512B, 2512A, 2612B, 2612A_Part, 2612A, 2612B, and 2612A. The water depth of the proposed 2D/3D seismic survey area of interest ranges from ca-1000m to -4000m m from east to west, respectively. 2D seismic survey is a regional mapping / imaging methodology aimed at de-risking an exploration project by establishing a validated Sedimentary Basin Scale Model of an exploration Area of Interest. 3D Seismic survey on the other hand, is a detailed local mapping / imaging methodology aimed at de-risking an exploration project by establishing a validated Prospect/s or Lead/s Scale Models of an exploration Area of Interest within a Sedimentary Basin. 2D/3D seismic survey are acquired on dense and widely spaced grids respectively. The dense grid of a 3D seismic survey will provide high-resolution 3D images which reveal fine-scale geological structure for exploration in more complex settings with aim of delineating prospects or leads. The basic principle of 3D or 2D seismic survey method is the application of controlled generation of sound / acoustic waves by a seismic source to obtain an image of the subsurface. The generated acoustic wave that travels deep into the earth, is reflected by the various rock formations of the earth and returns to the surface where it is recorded and measured by receiving devices called hydrophones. The recorded wavefield contains all kinds of useful information about the structure and composition of the subsurface. In analysing the seismic waves travel times through various encountered subsurface rock formations, geophysicists, geologists, and petroleum engineers use sophisticated software and create subsurface maps showing potential drill-ready subsurface geological structures called reservoirs that may contain hydrocarbons. The proposed 2D/3D seismic survey will be conducted using MARPOL / Namibian Maritimes Laws compliant and modern survey vessels. Seismic survey datasets are not only important in oil and gas exploration and production, but also used in various fields including in Deep Sea Minerals (DSM) exploration and production and the search for suitable Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) terrains as one of the possible options for Climate Change long-term mitigations.