Kerr-McGee tests Schrader Bluff oil

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Mar. 15 -- Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corp. has tested as much as 1,200 b/d of 16º-17º gravity oil from the Schrader Bluff reservoir in its Nikaitchuq-4 horizontal appraisal well on Alaska's North Slope.

Kerr-McGee operates the Nikaitchuq prospect and holds a 70% interest. Armstrong Alaska Inc. holds a 30% stake.

Kerr-McGee encountered the same Schrader Bluff interval in its Tuvaaq exploration well, 3 miles west of Nikaitchuq-4. It is drilling the Kigun sidetrack to earn additional acreage. After completion, Kerr-McGee will operate the well with a 55% working interest.

Kerr-McGee has increased its stake to 82% in and become operator of Tuvaaq by acquiring an additional 40% working interest from Pioneer Natural Resources.

Also during the 2005 Alaskan drilling season, Kerr-McGee is drilling the Nikaitchuq-3 horizontal appraisal well to test the Sag River formation. In 2004, the Nikaitchuq-1 vertical well tested more than 960 b/d of 38º gravity oil from the Sag River, and Nikaitchuq-2, drilled 9,000 ft southeast of the discovery well, extended the discovery downdip (OGJ, Sept. 20, 2004, p. 34).

Earlier this year, Kerr-McGee acquired a 50% working interest and will operate the Ataruq prospect in Alaska, where it will drill an initial exploration well following the appraisal drilling at Nikaitchuq.