Murphy Oil Corp. has plugged and abandoned its unsuccessful Opale Marine-1 well in the Mer Profonde Nord block offshore Congo (Brazzaville).
Murphy West Africa Ltd. had 100% interest in the Opale Marine well. No depths were provided, a company spokesman said.
As a result of the Opale Marine-1 well, Murphy plans to take a $48 million charge in the fourth quarter. Murphy also will take a $29 million noncash charge to write off the Titane Marine-1 well, drilled in October 2010 and suspended pending results of additional exploratory drilling in the block.
Earlier this year, Murphy announced a $370 million noncash charge to fourth quarter 2011 earnings related to Azurite oil field offshore Congo (Brazzaville). That impairment charge related to lower than expected production rates. Murphy operates Azurite field with 50% interest (OGJ Online, Jan. 24, 2012).