Oil Search spudded the Muruk-1 exploration well in PNG permit PPL 402 on November 2 2016. The well is located north west of the Hides gas field. The objective of the well is to test the Toro Sandstone.
During March, Muruk 1ST2, a second NE-orientated wellbore, was drilled to a depth of 3,747 metres targeting the Toro reservoir approx. 1 km from the original well bore penetration. The Toro reservoir in the sidetrack was found to be tightly folded and overturned at the Muruk 1ST2 location. Wireline logs and pressure data suggested that the Toro reservoir in the fold was likely water bearing.
The sidetrack was then plugged back and the Muruk 1ST3 sidetrack was kicked off at 1,765 metres from the original well bore, with a south west orientation. Muruk 1ST3 will constrain the structural configuration of the southern flank of the Muruk structure. The sidetrack will also assist in defining the depth of the lowest known gas in the field. At the end of the month, Muruk 1ST3 was at a depth of 2,819 metres and preparing to run 9-5/8” casing.
Partners in the well are: Oil Search (PNG) 37.5%; Esso PNG Wren 42.5%; Barracuda (Santos) 20.0%.