Kerr-McGee Corp. and Noble Energy Inc. said Monday that their Ticonderoga discovery well and initial sidetrack in the Gulf of Mexico encountered more than 250 feet of net high-quality hydrocarbon pay, primarily oil, in three zones. The companies — which own the discovery jointly — estimate that Ticonderoga, located on Green Canyon Block 768 in approximately 5,250 feet of water, offers potential resources of 30-50 million boe.

Operated by Kerr-McGee, Ticonderoga could be developed as a subsea tieback to the company’s 100%-owned Constitution truss spar facility that will be located five miles to the north. Spudded on March 21, the Ticonderoga well was drilled to a total measured depth of 13,556 feet. A sidetrack confirmed the down-dip limit of this reservoir. The companies are currently performing reservoir modeling, with plans to carryout additional appraisal work this year.

“Consistent with our strategy of creating hubs in core areas, our nearby Constitution facility would allow for the successful development of Ticonderoga, which would further enhance the original economics of the Constitution project,” said Dave Hager, Kerr-McGee senior vice president responsible for oil and gas exploration and production. “In addition to our deepwater discoveries, our new venture exploration program focused on proven world-class hydrocarbon basins also is yielding encouraging results, with a recent discovery at the NW Milne Point prospect in Alaska.”

In addition to the Ticonderoga discovery, Kerr-McGee said it has completed drilling activities at the Dawson Deep prospect in the Gulf and is evaluating opportunities for its development as a subsea tieback to the company’s Gunnison facility. Dawson Deep, located about three miles from Gunnison on Garden Banks 625, is operated by Kerr-McGee, with a 25% working interest and a 21.9% net revenue interest. Partners are McMoRan Exploration Co. et al, 50% working interest, and Nexen Petroleum Offshore USA. Inc., 15% working interest.

©Copyright 2004 Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news report may not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in any form, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.