Exploration Potential of the Sandakan Basin, off the Coast of East Sabah: Insights from New Seismic Data

In this study we take a new look at the petroleum potential of the Sandakan Basin using newly acquired and reprocessed 2D seismic data mainly over the South Dent Trough. Existing leads are better defined and new leads identified from interpretation of the newly acquired and reprocessed seismic data.

3499km of new 2D seismic, gravity and magnetic data were acquired together with reprocessing of 2676km of existing legacy 2D seismic data in the Sandakan Basin. The new data are tied to the available well data and have been processed through broadband PSTM & PSDM workflows including dynamic matching full-waveform inversion. A pseudo-3D seismic volume has been generated through structurally conformable interpolation of the newly acquired and reprocessed 2D seismic data to provide a 3D seismic volume for regional seismic interpretation across the basin.

Interpretation of the new available seismic data has been undertaken to identify new leads across the Offshore Sandakan Basin within both existing and new plays. Results from regional seismic interpretation are presented identifying potential new exploration targets in this relatively under-explored basin.