By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 19 -- Mariner Energy Inc., Houston, said it could start production as early as yearend from a deepwater discovery at its Geauxpher prospect on Garden Banks Block 462 in the Gulf of Mexico.
The well, drilled to 23,156 ft measured depth in 2,700 ft of water, is primarily a gas discovery with 100 bcf of proved and probable recoverable, said Mariner. The company plans a subsea tieback to a gas pipeline in Garden Banks Block 72. Geauxpher is 25 miles west of the Auger field complex.
Mariner, operator with 60% working interest in the discovery, farmed into Geauxpher in November 2007 and provided the drilling rig. Apache Corp. has 40% interest.
The drilling rig remains on location, and a delineation well is planned. Mariner has identified other potential on the block and expects to test the amplitudes over time.
Mariner meanwhile took a farmout on the deepwater Heidelberg Miocene subsalt prospect 12 miles south of Tahiti field in Green Canyon blocks 816, 859, 860, and 903 to earn a 12.5% interest.
Anadarko Petroleum Corp. operates Heidelberg, where an exploration well is to spud by yearend.
