Exploration news

Total announces that the Fort Hills oil sands project located in Alberta, Canada, 90 km north of Fort McMurray, has achieved first oil and production is expected to ramp up over the next few months.

Total announces a major oil discovery in the Ballymore prospect, located deep offshore in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (Eastern GoM). The well was drilled to a final depth of 8898 m and encountered 205 m of net oil pay in a high quality Norphlet reservoir. 

The new exploration discoveries are Capercaillie, which it a 100% owner of, and Achmelvich, which it has a majority stake in.

At least one well will be drilled to follow-up and appraise the Verbier oil discovery this year.

The well reached a total depth of 7717 ft MD in 22 days and ahead of schedule. First production from all three wells is expected March 2018.

Jersey Oil & Gas has announced that the co-venturers in respect of UKCS Licence P.2170, which contains the Verbier oil discovery and the Cortina prospect, have approved a work programme and budget for 2018.

Rose Petroleum plc has now completed the initial structural interpretation of the 3D seismic data it acquired over its Gunnison Valley Unit which is part of its larger lease holding in the Paradox Basin, Utah, USA.

The company have announced their intention to initiate the permitting process for three new wells in the Permian Basin, accelerating their original plans to develop the areas assets.

Total has reinforced its position in deepwater Gulf of Mexico by signing an agreement with Samson in order to acquire Samson Offshore Anchor, LLC.

Throughout the year, ExxonMobil has announced a number of discoveries, acquisitions and exploration activities in various countries, including Brazil, Cyprus, Equatorial Guinea, Guyana, Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, Suriname and in the United State's Gulf of Mexico.