Carnarvon Petroleum, Apache Spud Phoenix South-1 Well Offshore Western Australia

Carnarvon Petroleum has announced that the Atwood Eagle semi-submersible drilling rig has commenced drilling operations at the Phoenix South-1 well within WA-435-P on the North West Shelf of Western Australia.

Drilling is expected to continue for approx. 60-70 days which includes time for logging and testing.

Total depth is scheduled to reach a minimum of 4,500m, but could extend to 5,000m depending on the presence of gas below 4,500m, the company said.

The North West Shelf (NWS) of Australia is a region of prolific gas production.  Carnarvon acquired a large acreage position over the previously discovered gas in the Phoenix 1 and 2 wells that were drilled in the early 1980’s by BP. 

Apache and JXNippon entered into a farmin agreement with the company for permits WA 435 P and WA 437 P.