By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 27 -- Houston-based Newfield Exploration Co. has made a deep shelf discovery at West Cameron 77, about 10 miles off Louisiana in about 40 ft of water.
The West Cameron 77 No. 1 well encountered 120 ft of net gas pay in two zones at 16,800-17,600 ft. The well was deepened to 19,603 ft (18,500 ft VD) and encountered an additional zone that appears to have possible pay over a large gross interval. This zone will be evaluated during the completion stage, Newfield said.
Newfield expects first production from the field in early 2005.
Newfield operates the West Cameron 77 discovery with a 45% working interest in a joint development area covering portions of West Cameron 77 and West Cameron 96, prior to payout. After payout, Newfield's interest, subject to a 25% back in by Seneca Resources Corp., will be 33.75%. Other interest holders are BHP Billiton Petroleum (Americas) Inc., 30.95%, Houston Exploration Co. 13.75%, and Ridgewood Energy Corp. 10.3%.