Alan Petzet
Chief Editor-Exploration
HOUSTON, Jan. 11 -- An ultradeep exploratory well on the Davy Jones prospect could be one of the largest discoveries in decades on the Gulf of Mexico shelf, said operator McMoRan Exploration Co., New Orleans.
Wireline log results indicate a combined 135 net ft of hydrocarbon-bearing sands in four zones in Eocene-Paleocene Wilcox. All four zones are full to base, and two contained a combined 90 net ft of sands. The Wilcox suite logged below 27,300 ft “appears to be of exceptional quality,” McMoRan said.
The Davy Jones well went to 28,263 ft measured depth in 20 ft of water on South Marsh Island Block 230. Pipe-conveyed wireline logs went as deep as 28,134 ft. McMoRan will deepen the well to 29,000 ft to test other objectives.
McMoRan said flow tests are required to confirm the ultimate hydrocarbon flow rates from the four separate zones. The resistivity log obtained Jan. 10 was the last information needed to confirm hydrocarbons on the block.
James R. Moffett, McMoRan co-chairman, said: “Davy Jones log results confirm our geologic model and indicate that the previously identified sands in the Wilcox section on this large ultradeep structure encompassing four OCS lease blocks (20,000 acres) provides significant additional development potential which, upon confirmation development drilling, could make Davy Jones one of the largest discoveries on the shelf of the Gulf of Mexico in decades.
“The geologic results from this well are important and are redefining the subsurface geologic landscape below 20,000 ft on the shelf of the Gulf of Mexico. The results from this well will be incorporated into our models as we continue to define the potential of this promising new exploration frontier.”
McMoRan operates the Davy Jones prospect and is funding 25.7% of the exploratory costs. It holds a 32.7% working interest and 25.9% net revenue interest.
Other working interests owners include Plains Exploration & Production Co. 27.7%, Energy XXI Bermuda Ltd. 15.8%, Nippon Oil Exploration USA Ltd. 12%, W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr. 8.8%, and a private investor 3%.
Energy XXI is funding 14.1% of the exploratory costs to earn its 12.6% net revenue interest in the prospect.
Contact Alan Petzet at [email protected].
