Significant Oil Discovery
Shell reported a ‘significant’ eastern Gulf of Mexico oil discovery at the Appomattox prospect on Friday, 19 March. The field is in 7217 ft of water in Mississippi Canyon blocks 391 and 392. A discovery well drilled at a depth of 25,077 ft on block 392 encountered some 530ft of oil pay, Shell said in a release. An appraisal sidetrack well drilled to nearly 26,000 ft found 380 ft of oil pay, and Shell plans additional appraisal activity later in the year.
Shell executive vice president of exploration David Lawrence said: “The discovery builds on a successful 2009 exploration program in the Gulf of Mexico, where Shell had discoveries at West Boreas, Vito and Cardamom Deep”.
Shell operates Appomattox with 80% interest, while partner Nexen holds 20% working interest.
In a separate announcement, Nexen president and CEO Marvin Romanow said: “The find confirms our confidence in the play and provides a strong basis to evaluate the remainder of our significant acreage position in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico”.
Nexen is a partner with operator Shell in the nearby Shiloh prospect, a 2003 discovery, and Vicksburg, a 2007 discovery about six miles east of Appomattox.