The Sappho-1 exploration well is located in the WA-392-P permit area approximately 87 miles (140km) northwest of Onslow. The well was drilled to a depth of 15,406ft (4,696mt) and encountered approximately 246ft (75mt) of net gas pay.
George Kirkland, vice chairman of Chevron, said: “The Sappho-1 discovery is another example of the success of Chevron’s significant exploration investment in northwest Australia and will support our long-term plans to build a leading natural gas business to supply energy to Australia and the Asia Pacific region.”
Jim Blackwell, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production, said: “This is the latest in a succession of back-to-back discoveries that underscore our exploration capabilities. These discoveries will underpin the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects.”
Chevron, through its Australian subsidiary, is the operator of WA-392-P with 50% interest, while Shell Development (Australia) and an Australian subsidiary of ExxonMobil hold 25% each.
