By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 31 -- BP Exploration & Production Inc. has found hydrocarbons with its exploration well drilled on the Stones prospect on Walker Ridge Block 508 in the Gulf of Mexico.
BP holds 59% interest and operates the prospect well, which was drilled in 9,576 ft of water. Further drilling is needed, BP said, to determine the commerciality and the extent of the discovery.
Transocean Inc.'s Deepwater Horizon fifth-generation dynamically positioned semisubmersible rig began drilling the well late last year and reached TVD of 28,560 ft on Mar. 10.
Other partners in the prospect are Shell Exploration & Production Co. 26% and Marathon Oil Co. 15%.
