CNG unit makes three gas discoveries in Gulf of Mexico

Nov. 17, 1997
CNG's Gulf of Mexico Finds [101,315 bytes] A unit of Consolidated Natural Gas Co. (CNG), Pittsburgh, has made three gas discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico. This makes 1997 the fourth consecutive year in which CNG's potential reserves additions have topped 200 bcf of natural gas equivalent (bcfe). The two larger strikes-Nautilus and Nemo-are in the Main Pass area, near where the continental shelf drops off (see map). These are CNG Producing Co.'s third and fourth major discoveries in
A unit of Consolidated Natural Gas Co. (CNG), Pittsburgh, has made three gas discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico.

This makes 1997 the fourth consecutive year in which CNG's potential reserves additions have topped 200 bcf of natural gas equivalent (bcfe).

The two larger strikes-Nautilus and Nemo-are in the Main Pass area, near where the continental shelf drops off (see map). These are CNG Producing Co.'s third and fourth major discoveries in Main Pass area.

The company discovered Main Pass Block 222/223 field in 1994 and Block 225 in 1995. Block 222/223 field is producing 80 MMcfd of gas and 1,860 b/d of oil. Output from Block 225 is 65 MMcfd and 530 b/d. CNG's working interests in the fields are, respectively, 50% and 35.18%.

CNG also is a 50% partner with Oryx Energy Co., Dallas, in Neptune field on Viosca Knoll Block 826 (OGJ, Sept. 23, 1996, p. 35).

Nautilus, Nemo

Nautilus is on Main Pass Blocks 280 and 281 in 307 ft of water. Because it is in shallower water on the shelf, CNG hopes to develop and produce it using lower-cost, conventional offshore methods.

"We should be able to get deepwater-type production at shallower-water costs at Nautilus," said H. Patrick Riley, president of CNG Producing. "That discovery contains sands that are equivalent to the very productive deepwater trends in nearby Viosca Knoll."

CNG has drilled two wells on Nautilus prospect, cutting four pay zones. CNG is operator of the blocks and holds a 65% working interest. Walter Oil & Gas Corp. holds 20% and Zilkha Energy Co. 15%.

CNG's development plans include installing a platform and facilities designed to handle 150 MMcfd of natural gas and 15,000 b/d of oil. Four more development wells are planned, one of which is being drilled.

Nemo is on Main Pass Blocks 279 and 284 in 290 ft of water. Main Pass 284 No. 1 well cut 64 ft of net pay in shallow Pliocene. Another well is being drilled on Block 279, targeting a deeper interval.

CNG is operator of Nemo and has a 100% working interest.

Third discovery

CNG recently completed its West Cameron 130 No. 1 wildcat. The company has a 100% working interest in the block, about 20 miles offshore, south of Cameron, La.

On test, the well flowed 6 MMcfd of gas from 44 ft of net pay in three Miocene sands. CNG hopes to have it on production by December.

CNG expects to produce 200 bcfe in 1997. And the company is on track to reach reserves additions of 300 bcfe, or 150% of production.

"If that is accomplished," said Riley, "we will replace production by 150% for the fourth straight year."

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