The Houston Exploration Co. on Thursday announced three natural gas discoveries in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The wells, which together are expected to produce about 35 MMcf/d, will begin ramping up this year, with the first well set to begin production in August.

At East Cameron 280, the B-3 discovery well was drilled to a total depth of 7,877 feet and completed in the Ang “B” formation. The Houston-based independent has a 50% working interest in the well, which should come online in August 2003. The production rate is expected to be 7 MMcf/d.

The High Island 47 No.1 well was drilled to a total depth of 10,595 feet and encountered pay in a lower Miocene sand. The discovery tested 13 MMcf/d, of which the company has a 33.3% working interest. A second well is currently being drilled to further assess the potential for the area. First production from High Island 47 No.1 should begin during the fourth quarter of 2003.

In the third discovery, at Galveston 424, the company participated in the No.1 discovery well with a 35% working interest. This well was drilled to a total depth of 10,261 feet and encountered multiple pay sands, of which the lowest zone tested 15 MMcf/d. Production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2004. A delineation well should begin drilling during the third quarter of 2003 to expand the production from the field.

Houston Exploration’s operations are focused in South Texas, the shallow waters of the GOM and the Arkoma Basin. It also has production in East Texas, South Louisiana and West Virginia.

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