GulfSlope Energy Inc. said the Rowan Ralph Coffman jack up rig is being towed to the Vermilion area in the Gulf of Mexico’s South Addition on Block 378. GulfSlope plans to spud a well at the Canoe prospect in 325 ft of water by Aug. 1, pending final rig inspection and regulatory drilling approval.
The Canoe exploration well seeks to test multiple Pleistocene amplitudes correlating to zones in nearby producing fields. Crews expect drilling will take 15 days to reach a measured depth of 6,249 ft. If successful, this above-salt test will be evaluated for options including subsea tiebacks to a platform.
Immediately following the Canoe well, GulfSlope will mobilize the Ralph Coffman to drill an exploration well on the Tau prospect in the Ship Shoal area on South Addition Blocks 336/351. Crews plans to drill the Tau well, in 305 ft of water, to 29,728 ft.
Tau targets multiple deep subsalt formations. GulfSlope has government approval for the Tau well and expects to receive the approved drilling permit in August.
GulfSlope operates both wells with a 20% working interest. Delek GOM Investments LLC holds 75% working interest and Texas South Energy Inc. owns 5% working interest. GulfSlope will pay 8% of exploratory well costs and 20% of the costs thereafter upon commercial discovery.
