BHP-led consortium awarded exploration block off Trinidad

Nov. 6, 2001
Trinidad and Tobago has awarded offshore Block 3a to a group of companies led by BHP Petroleum (Americas) Inc., said partner Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary. The award is subject to final approvals and execution of a production-sharing agreement.

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Nov. 6 -- Trinidad and Tobago has awarded offshore Block 3a to a group of companies led by BHP Petroleum (Americas) Inc., said partner Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary.

The award is subject to final approvals and execution of a production-sharing agreement.

The block, 25 miles off the northeastern coast of Trinidad in 100-300 ft of water, covers 150,000 acres. It is adjacent to Block 2c, where the partners have drilled the Angostura-1, Aripo-1, and Kairi-1 wells.

The Block 3a consortium includes BHP Petroleum (Americas) Inc. (30%), Talisman (Trinidad Block 3a) Ltd. (30%), BG International Ltd. (30%), and TotalFinaElf SA (10%).

Talisman said it believes Block 3a contains an extension of the Kairi-1 play.

Jim Buckee, president and CEO of Talisman, said, "There are a number of very large prospects in Block 3a which are enhanced by our exciting oil and gas discovery at Kairi-1 (in adjacent Block 2c). Kairi-1 has confirmed an oil development in addition to a gas development. Further drilling success could confirm substantial upside."

The Kairi-1 well penetrated a gross 933 ft hydrocarbon column containing 322 ft of net gas pay and 235 ft of net oil pay. The well tested 3,000 b/d of 29°-gravity oil from one selected 14-ft interval of sand (OGJ Online, Aug. 23, 2001).

Talisman said hydrocarbon-bearing sands found by Canteen-1 well, now drilling on Block 2c in 50 m of water, confirms and extends the Kairi find.