Canadian Superior updates Mariner I-85 well

Canadian Superior is drilling the Mariner I-85 exploration well, 290 km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to 4,036 m. Planned total depth is 5,600 m and drilling operations are proceeding to evaluate an anticipated series of Cretaceous and Jurassic deltaic sediments in the prospect. Further drilling and well testing is planned for Mariner I-85 over the next several weeks.

The Rowan Gorilla V jackup is drilling ahead in the 12 1/4-in. hole section of the well at a 4,036 m TVD, with the conductor casing, surface casing string, and intermediate casing string in place.

The well will take another 40 days to drill to its targeted total depth. Testing and evaluation time will be determined based on the detailed formations encountered in the well.

Canadian Superior has identified three large prospects, with potential reserves of 2.5 tcf of natural gas, on the Mariner block (EL 2409) using high-resolution seismic.

The block is 101,800 acres and directly offsets five discoveries near Sable Island, including the 1.6 tcf Venture natural gas field, which is 9 km northwest of Mariner.

El Paso Oil & Gas Canada Inc. holds a 50% interest in the Mariner prospect and Canadian Superior has 50%.

01/07/04