By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 23 -- The Houston Exploration Co., Houston, announced a shallow-water, deep-shelf natural gas discovery at High Island Block 115. The No. 1 well, drilled to 19,800 ft in 44 ft of water, flowed on test at a rate of 20 MMcfd.
El Paso Production Oil & Gas Co. operates the well, and Houston Exploration has 50% interest. Production is expected during the fourth quarter of 2003, pending construction of facilities.
"This high-risk well confirms our view for the potential of the deep shelf," said Houston Exploration William G. Hargett, president and CEO. "The knowledge that we gained from drilling this well can be applied to other deep-shelf opportunities we have offshore in the Gulf of Mexico."
Houston Exploration has 118 leases along the continental shelf and plans to drill five more deep-shelf wells in 2003. West Cameron 227, the next well on the inventory, is expected to be spudded in July 2003.
