By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, June 22 -- Origin Energy Resources Ltd., Sydney, has an offshore Otway basin discovery at its Geographe 1 wildcat that it described as a significant.
Origin, which manages Australian exploration permit VIC/P43, said the hole recovered gas in wireline samples at 1,831 m, 1,896 m, and 2,015 m RT. Preliminary analysis indicated the gas had an inert level ranging from 6 to 8%. Condensate and LPG content was being determined.
Pay zones were not given. Earlier, Origin said gas was indicated in Flaxmans/Warre sands and shales.
Geographe is 55 km off the Victorian coast in 85 m of water and 15 km north of the Thylacine discovery on adjacent permit T/30P. Origin said the structure comprises two related prospects, with Geographe 1 being on the southerly one. "Preliminary volumetric estimates indicate an in-place gas resource for the southern culmination of approximately 500 bcf. Further drilling in the northern culmination could increase the in-place gas resource to more than 1 tcf," it said.
Geographe 1 was being cased and suspended for later completion. It was drilled to 2,430 m in 85 m of water by the Ocean Bounty semisubmersible.
Partners are Origin with 30%, Woodside Energy Ltd. 55%, and CalEnergy Gas (UK) Ltd. 15%. Woodside is managing drilling operations.
