Mariner Energy, Inc. announces drilling success at the Lucius-1 ST-1 exploration well on Keathley Canyon Block 875. The sidetrack well was drilled to a total depth of about 20,600 feet in water depths of approximately 7,100 feet, logging almost 600 feet of high-quality oil pay with additional gas-condensate pay in thick Pliocene and Miocene sandstones. Mariner holds a 16.67% working interest in the project, with Anadarko Petroleum Company, the operator, holding 50% and Plains Exploration & Production Company holding a 33.33% working interest.
Scott D. Josey, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, said:
"The Lucius discovery is further evidence of the significant value in Mariner's deepwater prospect inventory. We look forward to working with our partners in further appraisal of the field and evaluating development concepts for this very significant project."
The initial wellbore, Lucius-1, reached a target depth of about 20,000 feet in December 2009 and encountered more than 200 feet of net pay. Lucius-1 ST-1 was drilled as an updip sidetrack, approximately 3,200 feet due south of the discovery well.
At year-end 2009 Mariner owned interests in nearly 100 deepwater blocks. Following drilling activities at Lucius, the rig is expected to move to Green Canyon 903 to drill the first appraisal well at Heidelberg, where Mariner holds a 12.5% working interest.
Review all our latest Discovery news