CNOOC makes another Wenchang find in Pearl River Mouth

Aug. 23, 2001
CNOOC Ltd. made an oil and gas discovery with Wenchang 15-1 in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the Western South China Sea. CNOOC plans to drill appraisal wells in the area next year. It said the structure covers 18.5 sq km.

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Aug. 23 -- CNOOC Ltd. made an oil and gas discovery with Wenchang 15-1 in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the Western South China Sea.

Wildcat Wenchang 15-1-1 was drilled to 1,426 m and found 40 ft net pay zone, including "high" hydrocarbon flow at 1,250 m. On test, the well flowed 4,760 b/d of 35°-gravity crude and 330 Mcf/d of gas.

The well, in 150 m of water, is 40 km east of Wenchang 13-1 and Wenchang 13-2, now under development.

CNOOC plans to drill appraisal wells in the area next year. It said the structure covers 18.5 sq km.

"The success of the well suggests high exploration potential in the area. It's the second discovery made in the South China Sea this year. An earlier appraisal well, Weizhou 12-1N, confirmed a similar structure. They will help offset production decline in the area," said Ru Ke, executive vice-president and chief geologist of the company. "Their proximity to producing areas indicates lower required capital expenditure and higher monetary values per boe produced. These are significant commercial discoveries."

China National Offshore Oil Corp. owns 70.6% of CNOOC Ltd., which is incorporated in Hong Kong.