LLOG encounters hydrocarbons in Mississippi Canyon, Gulf of Mexico

LLOG Exploration Co. LLC encountered hydrocarbons in Who Dat East exploration-appraisal well MC 509-1 in the Gulf of Mexico's Mississippi Canyon, said partner Karoon Energy Ltd. in a June 11 release. Once drilling is complete, the well will be suspended as a potential future producer, pending the results of further analysis.

The well reached a depth of 6,614 m MD in the 12 ¼-in. hole section. Intermediate wireline logging was completed prior to setting 9 ⅞-in. casing, and the well will drill ahead in 8 ½-in. hole to a planned final TD of 7,900 m. The borehole angle through the 12 ¼-in. hole section is about 45°.

Logging while drilling and wireline logging data have indicated that a number of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstones have been encountered within the targeted Middle Miocene turbidite sequences.

Interpretation of the data indicates a hydrocarbon bearing aggregate total net pay thickness of 44 m MD within the targeted intervals, with 31 m MD within two discrete reservoir units. Net pay porosities average 25% and correspondingly good permeabilities between 300 and >1,000 md are indicated. A gas condensate hydrocarbon fluid type has been interpreted, as expected. 

Wireline logging data, reservoir fluid samples, and other geoscience data will be subject to laboratory analyses and further studies to determine the resource potential of the hydrocarbon zones encountered to date.

The forward plan is to complete running 9 ⅞-in. casing before drilling to planned TD of about 7,900 m MD to test the remaining targets.

“The early results indicate potential for a continuous hydrocarbon phase in a number of high quality sands correlated to the nearby MC-509 Exxon #1 exploration well," said Dr. Julian Fowles, Karoon's chief executive officer and managing director.

Once remaining targets have been drilled and final TD logging has been completed, the companies will evaluate "any potential impact on hydrocarbon volumetrics at Who Dat East, with a view to determining the commerciality of a potential development," he said, noting the early success supports exploration upside potential. 

Who Dat field lies on the Mississippi Canyon blocks offshore Louisiana in average water depth of 3,200 ft, with ten stacked reservoirs between 10,000 and 17,000 ft in Pliocene and Upper Miocene Age zones. In December 2023, LLOG Exploration entered into an agreement to sell a partial interest in Who Dat East to Karoon Energy (OGJ Online, Dec. 3, 2023).