By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 15 -- Nexen Inc., Calgary, said it will participate in several deep shelf exploratory tests in the Gulf of Mexico by yearend:
Newfield Exploration Co., Houston, operator of Main Pass Block 240, will resume drilling a deep shelf test well this month with a new rig. The well was approaching target depth when Hurricane Ivan damaged the first rig last month. The prospect, in which Nexen holds a 45% interest, is 55 miles east of Venice, La., in 175 ft of water. Results are expected by yearend.
Following completion of that well, Newfield will spud a test on Main Pass 273 about 50 miles east of Venice in 200 ft of water. Nexen holds 30% interest.
Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, expects to spud a test at the Big Bend prospect on Mustang Island A-110 about 50 miles off Port Aransas in 300 ft of water. Devon and Nexen are 50:50 partners.
Gryphon Exploration Co., an affiliate of Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc. and operator of the Wind River prospect on West Cameron 335, is to start drilling a test on the block in 75 ft of water 50 miles off Louisiana. Gryphon and Nexen are 50:50 partners.