Exploration & Development

BHP'S NW SHELF OIL FIND NEAR COMMERCIALITY

Nov. 19, 1990

The likelihood of commerciality for a series of oil discoveries on Australia's Northwest Shelf is growing. A group led by BHP Petroleum Pty. Ltd. drilled a second apparently successful appraisal to its Griffin discovery 59 miles southwest of Barrow Island oil field. Cores and log analysis indicate BHP 3 Griffin cut 285 ft of gross oil column, and preparations were under way last week to test the well.

The likelihood of commerciality for a series of oil discoveries on Australia's Northwest Shelf is growing.

A group led by BHP Petroleum Pty. Ltd. drilled a second apparently successful appraisal to its Griffin discovery 59 miles southwest of Barrow Island oil field.

Cores and log analysis indicate BHP 3 Griffin cut 285 ft of gross oil column, and preparations were under way last week to test the well.

A strong flow rate during tests of 3 Griffin will help confirm reserve estimates of about 100 million bbl. Combined with preliminary reserve estimates of the nearby Chinook and Scindian discoveries, that would put the total area reserves at 150 million bbl.

That could be enough to support a floating production/storage unit like those BHP operates in Jabiru and Challis fields and plans in Skua field, all in the Timor Sea.

After testing is complete, BHP will move to the adjoining WA-155-P permit it operates in a joint venture with Ampol Exploration to spud the 1 Ramillies wildcat on trend with BHP's 6,400 b/d Griffin discovery (OGJ, Mar. 12, p. 21).

The 2 Griffin appraisal, drilled at midyear, flowed about 6,200 b/d of oil. Site is on the Western Australia WA-210-P permit.