ExxonMobil makes new natural gas discovery in Papua New Guinea well

International oil and gas company ExxonMobil announced a new natural gas discovery in the Muruk-1 exploration well in the Papua New Guinea North Highlands, where it holds 42.5% interest.

Other interest owners include Oil Search Limited with 37.5% and Barracuda Limited, a subsidiary of Santos Limited (20 percent, subject to regulatory approval). Oil Search serves as the operator.

Located 13 miles (21 km) northwest of the Hides Gas Field,the Muruk-1 well encountered similar high-quality sandstone reservoirs as the Hides field and was in line with pre-drill expectations. It was safely drilled to 10,630 ft (3,130 m). Evaluation is underway to determine the size of the discovery.

“We are excited by the results of the Muruk-1 exploration well, which confirms the presence of hydrocarbons in the same high-quality sandstone reservoirs as the Hides field that underpins the PNG LNG project,” said Steve Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “Over the coming months we will work with our co-venturers to better determine the full resource potential.”

“ExxonMobil has been involved in exploration in Papua New Guinea since the 1930s,” Greenlee added. “The Muruk exploration success demonstrates the strength of ExxonMobil’s long-term investment approach and reaffirms its commitment to Papua New Guinea.”

Oil Search began drilling the Muruk-1 well on November 2, 2016.The well is located in petroleum prospecting license 402, which covers 126,000 acres (510 sq km).