Davy Jones offset looks promising, says McMoRan

Feb. 7, 2011
Interim logging of the Davy Jones offset appraisal well indicate more than 200 ft (61 m) of gross sand and 100 ft (30 m) of net sand that appear to be hydrocarbon bearing, says McMoRan Exploration Co.

Offshore staff

NEW ORLEANS – Interim logging of the Davy Jones offset appraisal well indicate more than 200 ft (61 m) of gross sand and 100 ft (30 m) of net sand that appear to be hydrocarbon bearing, says McMoRan Exploration Co.

The well, in South Marsh Island block 234 in 20 ft (6 m) of water is drilling below TVD of 27,900 ft (8,504 m) and will require additional evaluation. The preliminary result is based on intermittent porosity data in multiple Wilcox zones.

The well appears to be 1,300 ft up dip to the Davy Jones discovery well and confirms the major structural features of the prospect.

McMoRan says these results support the wedge effect seen on other large subsalt structures in the Gulf of Mexico, where sands generally thicken on the flanks of the structure. The Davy Jones No. 2 is 2 ½ mi (4 km) southwest of the Davy Jones No. 1 well.

McMoRan is deepening the well to evaluate additional objectives.

McMoRan has ordered long lead time and specialty items, including a 25,000 psi production tree, safety valve and blowout preventer, and expects to complete and flow test the well by year-end 2011.

McMoRan holds a 60.4% working interest. Other working interest owners are Energy XXI, Nippon Oil Exploration USA Ltd, W.A. "Tex" Moncrief Jr., and an unnamed private investor.

02/07/2011