OMV spuds exploration well in Maari area offshore New Zealand

July 24, 2014
The semisubmersible Kan Tan IV has spudded the Whio-1 exploration well for operator OMV New Zealand in the PEP 51313 permit.

Offshore staff

SYDNEY, Australia – The semisubmersible Kan Tan IV has spudded the Whio-1 exploration well for operator OMV New Zealand in the PEP 51313 permit, 4.5 km (2.8 mi) southeast of the Maari wellhead platform in the offshore Taranaki basin.

According to partner Cue Energy Resources, the planned TD is 2,879 m (9,445 ft) MDRT. The well path will deviate northward from the surface location to avoid any shallowdrilling hazards above the subsurface targets.

Prime reservoir objectives are the M2A sandstone and Mangahewa formation, which are oil bearing in theMaari field. Secondary objectives are the Moki, Kaimiro, and Farewell formations.

Cue assesses potential resources at Whio of 18 MMbbl of oil, and a discovery could be tied into nearby infrastructure.

A successful well would also open additional exploration potential along the Tasman Ridge south of Maari, including the Matariki prospect, Cue adds.

07/24/2014