Emperor Energy Ltd (ASX:EMP): Judith-2 Appraisal Well Remains Central to Gippsland Basin Strategy

Aditi Sarkar

30 September 2026 04:05 PM AEST

Emperor Energy Ltd (ASX:EMP): Judith-2 Appraisal Well Remains Central to Gippsland Basin Strategy

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Highlights

Emperor Energy continued progressing the Judith-2 appraisal well programme in the offshore Gippsland Basin.
The company focused on drilling preparation, regulatory activities and funding arrangements during 2026.
The VIC/P47 permit remains the company’s primary exploration asset.
Technical studies and contractor preparation activities supported the planned appraisal programme.
Future updates will focus on drilling progress, regulatory approvals and project evaluation.

Emperor Energy Ltd (ASX:EMP) is an oil and gas exploration company focused on the offshore Gippsland Basin in Victoria. During 2026, the company continued preparing for the Judith-2 appraisal well, which represents a key activity for evaluating the gas potential of its VIC/P47 permit.

Judith-2 Appraisal Well Programme

Emperor Energy’s Judith-2 appraisal well remains the central focus of its development activities. The company has been progressing preparation work for the offshore drilling programme, including equipment planning, contractor engagement and regulatory processes. The well is intended to provide further information on the gas potential of the VIC/P47 permit area.

VIC/P47 Permit and Resource Position

The company holds a 100 per cent interest in the VIC/P47 permit located in the offshore Gippsland Basin. Emperor Energy has reported contingent and prospective gas resources associated with the permit. These estimates require further appraisal and technical assessment before any future development pathway can be established.

Funding Activities

During 2026, Emperor Energy completed funding activities to support the Judith-2 programme and related corporate requirements. The company directed funds towards drilling preparation, long-lead equipment, environmental approvals, geophysical activities and Working Capital requirements.

Technical and Regulatory Preparation

The company continued advancing technical requirements associated with the offshore drilling programme. Activities included environmental planning, regulatory submissions and preparation of supporting studies required before drilling activities can proceed. Offshore projects require detailed planning due to technical complexity and regulatory requirements.

Gas Market Opportunity

The Gippsland Basin is an established energy region with existing gas infrastructure and market connections. Emperor Energy’s activities are focused on evaluating whether the VIC/P47 permit can support future gas development. Further appraisal results will be required to determine the technical and commercial potential of the project.

Risks and Considerations

Exploration and appraisal drilling involve technical uncertainty, funding requirements and regulatory considerations. Drilling outcomes may differ from resource estimates, while successful appraisal would still require further development planning, approvals and infrastructure investment. Offshore drilling schedules can also be affected by contractor availability and operational factors.

Future Monitoring Areas

Future company announcements may provide updates on rig arrangements, environmental approvals, drilling timelines and appraisal results. Investors and Market Participants may also monitor funding activities, project partnerships and technical information released by the company.

Key Insights

Emperor Energy’s 2026 strategy remains focused on progressing the Judith-2 appraisal well and evaluating the potential of the VIC/P47 permit. The company is in an exploration and appraisal stage where technical information from future drilling activities will be important in determining the next steps for the project.

FAQs

Q: What does Emperor Energy Ltd focus on?

A:Emperor Energy Ltd focuses on oil and gas exploration activities in Australia.

Q: What is the Judith-2 well?

A:Judith-2 is an appraisal well planned to evaluate gas potential within the VIC/P47 permit.

Q: Where is the VIC/P47 permit located?

A:The VIC/P47 permit is located in the offshore Gippsland Basin in Victoria.

Q: What factors will influence project progress?

A:Drilling results, approvals, funding and technical assessments will influence project progress.

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