Conoco makes southern North Sea gas find

March 23, 2001
Conoco UK Ltd. said Friday it had a gas discovery between its Murdoch and Caister fields in the southern sector of the UK North Sea that could represent future production of more than 80 billion scf. The Ensco 80 jack-up spudded the well in 40 m of water, encountering 52 m of net pay in the carboniferous Westphalian formation.


By the OGJ Online Staff


LONDON, Mar. 23�Conoco UK Ltd. said Friday it had a gas discovery between its Murdoch and Caister fields in the southern sector of the UK North Sea that could represent future production of more than 80 billion scf.

The Ensco 80 jack-up exploration rig spudded the well in 40 m of water, encountering roughly 52 m of net pay in the carboniferous Westphalian formation. Conoco said the well was not tested as wireline logs confirmed that the "high quality" reservoir is in consistent with others operated by the company in the area.

Conoco said it is now evaluating the accumulation, which lies between blocks 44/22a and 44/23a, as part of its Caister-Murdoch System III development program of five natural gas fields in the North Sea.

First gas is expected in the fourth quarter of next year.

"This latest success reaffirms the (UK southern North Sea)'s status as a core business areas for Conoco, and as a significant contributor to the UK economy," said George Watkins, managing director of Conoco UK.

"I look forward to this accumulation, and the other that will be developed in the area, continuing that contribution," he added.

Conoco is operator of Block 44/22a with a 54.5% stake. The other partners are Tullow Exploration Ltd. with 34% and GDF Britain Ltd. with 11.5%. Partners in Block 44/23a are Conoco (operator) with 30%, Consort Resources Ltd. with 49%, and Gaz de France SA with 21%.