Energy Partners scores hat trick on Gulf shelf

Offshore staff

NEW ORLEANS -- Energy Partners Ltd. has drilled three successful exploration wells on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf.

At East Cameron block 109, the A-6 well was drilled to 2,992 m (9,816 ft) TD and encountered gas pay in two intervals. The well is expected to be producing by the end of the year. EPL (operator) holds a 50% working interest in the well and Phoenix Exploration Co. LP holds the remaining 50%.

The South Marsh Island block 79 No. 1 well was drilled to 2,993 m (9,820 ft) TD and encountered 27 m (89 ft) of gas pay in six intervals. The discovery well is expected to be producing in 2007. EPL (operator) holds a 100% working interest in the well. Additional exploratory drilling in the area is expected in 2007.

In the Bay Marchand field area, the CM-2st2 well was drilled to 3,287 m (10,784 ft) TD and encountered three oil sands before the wellbore became mechanically unusable during installation of the production casing. The well will be re-drilled starting in the first half of 2007 using another wellbore on the platform. EPL holds a 27% working interest in the discovery.

Meanwhile, the company currently is drilling exploratory wells in South Timbalier block 46 (Raptor) and in Mississippi Canyon block 292 (Raton South), including three additional exploratory tests by the end of the year.

Year to date, EPL has drilled 19 discoveries out of 25 exploratory tests in the GoM and onshore Gulf Coast region, including two discoveries in the deepwater Gulf.

12/08/2006