3D Energi Confirms Gas Find in Offshore Otway Basin

Australia’s 3D Energi has confirmed a new gas discovery at the Essington-1 well in the offshore Otway Basin—part of the first major offshore exploration push in eastern Australia in nearly a decade. With Bass Strait declines accelerating, the find could support future supply and midstream infrastructure needs.

Australia’s 3D Energi has confirmed a natural gas discovery at the Essington Reservoir in the offshore Otway Basin, marking a notable advancement in one of the region’s first major offshore exploration campaigns in nearly seven years.

The Essington-1 well, located in the VIC/P79 exploration permit, encountered gas in two reservoir intervals, the company said. The well is part of the broader Offshore Otway Project, which spans two exploration permits across South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.

3D Energi holds a 20% interest in the permits operated by ConocoPhillips Australia. The campaign is viewed as increasingly critical as long-producing Bass Strait gas fields approach depletion, heightening the importance of new offshore supply to sustain eastern Australia’s gas market and future pipeline throughput.

Further evaluation of the Essington results will determine next steps for appraisal and potential development.