JAPEX spuds deepwater exploratory well offshore Japan

Scheduled to continue until late May 2026, the exploration builds on previous drilling results from 2019, focusing on offshore natural gas resource assessment in the Hidaka area.

March 31, 2026

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) spudded an exploratory well on Mar. 24 as part of a survey aimed at confirming the presence of natural gas in the offshore Hidaka area of Hokkaido about 50 km offshore Japan in 1,070 m of water.

The survey is being conducted based on results of exploratory drilling operations conducted in 2019 about 5 km to the northwest.

JAPEX said it will acquire data to assess natural gas resources and reservoir rock qualities and conduct production tests to evaluate future development potential on the formation where signs of natural gas are observed during drilling.

The survey is scheduled to continue until late May 2026.