Apache has started drilling operations at the Phoenix South-1 well, offshore Australia.
Carnarvon Petroleum Limited, a company with a stake in the Phoenix South, shared the information this morning, saying that the Atwood Eagle semisubmersible drilling rig has started drilling operations at the well, located within WA-435-P on the North West Shelf of Western Australia. Drilling is expected to continue for approximately 60-70 days which includes time for logging and testing.
Total depth is scheduled to reach a minimum of 4,500m, but could extend to 5,000m depending on the presence of gas below 4,500m.
The primary target for the Phoenix South-1 well is the interbedded sandstones, siltstones and claystones of the Early to Middle Triassic Lower Keraudren Formation and underlying Locker Shale, starting at an approximate depth of 3,600m.
Two of these sandstone packages were gas-bearing in the Phoenix-1 well, some 13km to the North of the Phoenix South-1 location. It is considered likely that multiple reservoir/seal pairs will be intersected throughout this well.
Extensive wireline logging and both pressure and fluid sampling are planned if hydrocarbons are intersected, as well as a collection of reservoir core samples. The Joint Venture intends to plug and abandon the well in accordance with normal good oilfield practice regardless of the drilling outcome
Managing Director Adrian Cook said, “We’re pleased to have now spud the Phoenix South-1 well and look forward to the results in due course. This well has the potential to be a significant value driver for Carnarvon, but for now we are focused on supporting the Operator, Apache, and continuing with our business of securing new opportunities and sustaining oil production from our assets in Thailand.”
The equity interest holders are: Carnarvon Petroleum 20%; Apache Energy (Operator) 40%; JX Nippon 20%; Finder Exploration 20%.