The Melbourne-based company, which has a 45% stake in Vic/P41, today said the renewed permit now contains 16 graticular blocks, including the 2005 Oscar 3D seismic survey area.

Bass Strait Oil said in its September 2006 quarterly report that interpretation of the Oscar 3D data had detailed a number of “high potential” prospects, including on trend analogues of the Basker/Manta/Gummy (BMG) and Kipper fields.

The company said BMG operator Anzon Australia announced that full field production of 25,000 barrels of oil per day is scheduled to begin in late November. The Kipper field operator has also announced production plans, it said.

“Bass Oil is now seeking farm-in parties to earn an interest in Vic/P41 by funding drilling based on the 3D seismic dataset,” the company said.

“The tight market for offshore drilling rigs is expected to push any Vic/P41 drilling activity well into 2007 or later.”

Bass Oil said the eastern area of Vic/P41, showing potential leads on the limited existing seismic coverage, is targeted for additional 2D seismic acquisition as part of renewed working commitment.