By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 16 -- McMoRan Exploration Co. has made a natural gas discovery with its Flatrock exploratory prospect drilled on South Marsh Island Block 212 in the Gulf of Mexico. The well was drilled to 16,500 ft measured depth in 10 ft of water.
The find potentially could be a "major discovery," the company said, adding, it represents the deeper expression of the structural features of Tiger Shoal field, which has produced over 3 tcf of gas equivalent from multiple wells above 12,500 ft.
Wireline logs indicate that the Flatrock well has encountered 189 net ft of hydrocarbon-bearing sands in five zones over a combined 364 ft gross interval.
The pay zones are in the Rob-L section, with the most significant zone holding 120 net ft of hydrocarbon-bearing sands over a 238-ft gross interval.
Production from the Flatrock well is expected to begin quickly using existing infrastructure in the area.
After setting completion liner, McMoRan will further drill the well to 19,000 ft to evaluate the Operc section.
The company is currently permitting three offset locations to provide further options for the development of the multiple reservoirs found in the Rob-L section and to further evaluate the Operc section.
McMoRan holds 25% interest in and is operator of the Flatrock well and Plains Exploration & Production Co. holds 30%.
