An exploration drilling program in shallow water in the Salinas del Istmo basin in the southeast Gulf of Mexico has begun, partner Citla Energy reported.
The program—in the same region as the Zama, Amoca-Mizton-Tecoalli, and Hokchi discoveries—will be developed in partnership with consortium members and operators Eni SPA and Cairn Energy PLC, from this year’s fourth quarter through first-quarter 2020.
The initial program includes three wells in contract areas 7 (Eni, operator, 45%; Cairn, 30%, Citla, 25%) and 9 (Cairn, operator 65%, Citla, 35%) awarded as part of Mexican Round 2.1 under production-sharing contracts with a duration of up to 40 years (30 years plus two 5-year extensions), covering 1,153 sq km.
The $165-million drilling program will take place in 100-500 m of water 40-70 km offshore of the Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco. Results of the effort will determine next steps in the exploration campaign.