Page 23: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Dec/Jan 2014)

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Geology & Geophysics

The year’s top oil discovery: at two separate levels. The main accu-

Gila (Gulf of Mexico) mulation is at the same stratigraphic

In December 2013, BP, and partner level as proven in the Zafarani-1 well in

ConocoPhillips, celebrated a ? nd at the

Block 2. The Zafarani-1 discovery was deepwater Gila prospect in the US Gulf made in 2012 and was a play opener for of Mexico. The well penetrated multiple the block. Statoil operates the licence

Paleogene-aged reservoir sands. Gila was on Block 2 on behalf of Tanzania drilled by Seadrill’s semisubmersible

Petroleum Development Corporation rig West Capricorn to a total depth of (TPDC) with 65% working interest. 29,221ft. In? eld places the discovery at

Partners ExxonMobil Exploration and 300MMbbl of oil reserves and 300 Bcf of

Production Tanzania Ltd hold the gas reserves. The Gila discovery resides remaining 35%.

in Keathley Canyon Block 93, about 300mi southwest of New Orleans, in 4900ft of water. BP holds 80% interest in

Gila while partner ConocoPhillips holds the remaining 20%. Gila sits 25mi west

Aerial views and onboard the drillshipAerial views and onboard the drillship of BP’s 2009 4-6billion bo Tiber discovery o