By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 1 -- Newfield Exploration Co. Thursday reported a deep shelf discovery on West Cameron Block 73 about 10 miles off Louisiana that it said could exceed a predrill reserve estimate of 50 bcfe.
The West Cameron 73 No.1 well, drilled and evaluated with wireline logs to16,082 ft TD, encountered more than 250 ft of net gas pay in two zones below 15,000 ft. Newfield expects first production in early 2004.
This discovery well is the first of 8-10 deep shelf exploration wells that Newfield expects to drill in 2003. It has drilled six successful deep shelf wells out of nine attempts to date.
Newfield operates West Cameron 73 with a 70% working interest. Westport Resources Corp. owns the remaining 30% interest.