Muruk-2 Well Confirms PNG Muruk Field Extension

Australia-listed Oil Search April 3 said its Muruk-2 appraisal well, drilled on behalf of the ExxonMobil-operated PDL 9 joint venture in the Papua New Guinea Highlands, has confirmed an extension of the Muruk field.

A Drill Stem Test (DST) over the Cretaceous Toro Sandstone reservoir started in late March. Initial results of the DST have confirmed the presence of gas in the Toro A reservoir, with a similar composition to that tested in Muruk 1 ST3, it said.

“Pressure data indicates that the gas is on the same pressure gradient as that in Muruk 1 ST3, confirming that Muruk 2 is an extension of the Muruk field. The forward plan is to flow the well for approx. 10 days, followed by an extended shut-in period to allow pressure build up, which will assist in constraining the gas resource volume in the Muruk field,” Oil Search said.

Commenting on the results of the Muruk well, Oil Search’s managing director , Peter Botten, said: “Testing of the well will continue over the coming weeks to assist in determining the potential gas resources in the Muruk gas field. This is a positive outcome, indicating continuity of the trap over a significant distance, close to existing facilities.”

Participants in PDL 9 are Oil Search (Tumbudu) 24.4%; Esso PNG Juha 21.7%; Ampolex (PNG) 21.7%; Kumul Petroleum (Kroton) 20.5%; Nippon PNG LNG 9.7% and Gas Resources Juha No.1 2%.