ConocoPhillips has reported a natural gas discovery in the Otway Basin offshore Victoria, Australia, after its Essington-1 exploration well intersected gas-bearing zones in the Waarre A and C sandstone formations.
The company said on 17 November that well logs and wireline data indicate an estimated 62.6-m gross hydrocarbon column in the Waarre A and a 33.2-m gross column in the Waarre C. The well is located about 53 km offshore Port Campbell and 12 km from existing production wells.
“The Essington-1 well is the first discovery in the Otway since 2021 and is a promising start to ConocoPhillips’ exploration activities in the region,” Jan-Arne Johansen, president of ConocoPhillips Australia, said in a statement. “The initial results are encouraging, and we look forward to continuing drilling our second exploration well in December.”
Drilling began on the Essington-1 on 1 November using the Transocean Equinox semisubmersible. The well reached a total depth of 2,735 m.
ConocoPhillips Australia operates the project with a 51% stake, partnered with Korea National Oil Corporation (29%) and 3D Energi (20%).
In a separate statement, 3D Energi said pressure data obtained from the exploration well indicated moveable gas. Wireline formation testing by SLB is planned to collect downhole samples and assess reservoir deliverability. Additional work will determine potential flow rates, resource recovery, and commercial viability.
Operations at Essington-1 are expected to conclude by the end of this month. The well will then be plugged and abandoned in line with the approved environment plan. ConocoPhillips said drilling of the second exploration well in the license area is scheduled to begin in December, subject to weather.
