The Oil Search Ltd.-operated Muruk-1/ST3 sidetrack appraisal well in the highlands of Papua New Guinea has confirmed a natural gas-rich zone found in the initial Muruk-1 discovery in permit PPL 402 last December.
The sidetrack, drilled just southwest of the discovery well, encountered gas saturation through the entire Toro sandstone reservoir section with no gas-water contact observed.
Oil Search said the Cretaceous reservoir has the same high quality as that of the giant producing Hides gas field which lies about 21 km to the southeast (see map, OGJ Online, Nov. 17, 2016).
Muruk-1/ST3 was drilled to a total depth of 4,130 m. The Toro was penetrated at 3,968 m.
Two cores were cut and a full suite of logging and pressure data tools was run. The information is now being evaluated ahead of a likely production test.
Oil Search added that there is little doubt the well has found a potentially substantial gas field. Its close proximity to Hides means it could be a welcome contributor in support of a proposed third train in the Papua New Guinea LNG project.
News of the successful appraisal came after the first sidetrack Muruk-1/ST2, drilled last month northeast of the discovery well, found the Toro reservoir to be tightly folded and contorted containing water only.
The sidetracks were drilled in an attempt to find the gas-water contact. So far the gas column appears to be 350 m thick. Predrill estimates suggested the structure has potential to hold 1-3 tcf of gas.
Further appraisal of the Muruk discovery is being considered for 2018.
Three other prospects in the northwest highlands are on trend with Muruk and these may also be included in future drilling programs depending on the results of the current drilling and additional seismic work.
Oil Search is operator with 37.5%. Other participants are ExxonMobil Corp. with 42.5% and Santos Ltd. with 20%.
