Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has made two deepwater superlight oil discoveries and four shallow-water light oil discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Nobilis-1 well, which was drilled in 3,000 m of water to a TD of more than 6 km, 220 km offshore Tamaulipas state in the Perdido fold belt, found oil of greater than 40° gravity on the eastern flank of Maximino field. Pemex says estimated total 3P reserves at Nobilis range 140-160 million boe, and production could reach 15,000 b/d.
The Teak-1 well, drilled 30 km off Veracruz and Tabasco states in 44 m of water, discovered light crude and gas condensate. Total 3P reserves are estimated at 50-60 million boe, and output could reach 7,000 b/d.
Pemex says it plans to drill 30 exploration wells in 2017, focusing on areas that promise the highest returns. Priority will be given to regions where production can be strengthened in the short and medium terms.
In Mexico’s southeastern basins, the firm intends to drill 10 wells on land and 12 in shallow waters. Four wells are planned for the deep waters of the Perdido fold belt, and another four are planned for the Tampico-Misantla basin and the southern portion of the Burgos basin—two shale regions Pemex deems highly prospective.
