Apache establishes new oil play offshore Western Australia

Aug. 18, 2014
Apache Corp. has discovered a potentially large oil field in the Canning basin offshore Western Australia.

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – Apache Corp. has discovered a potentially large oil field in the Canning basin offshore Western Australia.

ThePhoenix South-1 well intersected at least four discrete oil columns ranging in thickness from 85-151 ft (26-46 m) in the Triassic lower Keraudren formation, within a sand rich section 13,648-14,763 ft (4,160-4,500 m) below sea level.

To date six light oil samples have been recovered from three intervals. Permeability analysis suggests a productive oil reservoir that could hold 300 MMbbl in place.

The well was drilled in the WA-435-P permit, 110 mi (180 km) north of Port Hedland in 435 ft (133 m) of water. The area includes other large undrilled structures such as ROC in WA-437-P.

Apache and partners Carnarvon Petroleum Ltd., JX Nippon, and Finder Exploration plan further drilling and evaluation next year.

According to Carnarvon managing director Adrian Cook, the discovery appears to be the most significant new oil play in the North West Shelf since the Enfield discovery opened the Exmouth basin two decades ago.

08/18/2014