ExxonMobil makes three oil, gas discoveries as Gulf drilling resumes post-moratorium
ExxonMobil announced two major oil discoveries and a gas discovery in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico after drilling the company's first post-moratorium deepwater exploration well.
The KC919-3 wildcat well confirmed the presence of a second oil accumulation in Keathley Canyon block 919, the company said.
The well encountered more than 475 feet of net oil pay and a minor amount of gas in predominantly Pliocene high-quality sandstone reservoirs. The well, which is continuing to drill deeper, is located 250 miles southwest of New Orleans in approximately 7,000 feet of water.
Early 2010 drilling encountered oil and natural gas at Hadrian North in KC919 and extending into KC918, with over 550 feet of net oil pay and a minor amount of gas in high-quality Pliocene and Upper Miocene sandstone reservoirs, officials said.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil encountered 200 feet of natural gas pay in Pliocene sandstone reservoirs at its Hadrian South prospect in Keathley Canyon block 964 during drilling in 2009.
“We estimate a recoverable resource of more than 700mn bbl of oil equivalent combined in our Keathley Canyon blocks,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Co.
"This is one of the largest discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico in the last decade,” he added. “More than 85% of the resource is oil with additional upside potential."
“We plan to work with our joint venture partners and other lessees in the area to determine the best way to safely develop these resources as rapidly as possible,” Greenlee said.
ExxonMobil is the operator of KC918, KC919, KC963 and KC964 with 50% working interest. Eni Petroleum US and Petrobras America each hold a 25% working interest in KC919, KC963 and KC964. Petrobras America holds a 50% working interest in KC918.
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