ConocoPhillips and its partners have made a significant discovery at the Essington-1 exploration well in the Otway Basin, located within the VIC/P79 exploration permit offshore Victoria, Australia. The drilling commenced on 1 November 2025 using the Transocean Equinox rig as part of the Otway exploration drilling programme. The well reached its planned total depth of 2,735m measured depth rotary table (MDRT) without any issues.
Wireline logging confirmed the presence of gas in both the primary Waarre A and secondary Waarre C sandstones. The Waarre A reservoir exhibited a gross gas-bearing interval of 62.6m, with 58.5m of net pay, while the Waarre C reservoir showed a 33.2m gross gas-bearing interval, with 31.5m of net pay. Gas peaks were observed at depths of 2,265m and 2,515m MDRT in the Waarre C and Waarre A reservoirs, respectively.
The elevated gas readings correlated with increased resistivity detected by logging while drilling tools. Petrophysical evaluation of the wireline data, supported by formation pressure measurements, indicated a clear gas gradient in pressure data, providing further evidence of moveable gas.
A comprehensive formation evaluation programme has been initiated, with wireline logs acquired across the 8½in hole section of the well. To further assess the findings, wireline formation testing will be conducted using Schlumberger’s Ora platform, involving controlled drawdowns and buildups in up to two zones within the Waarre A reservoir.
These tests are expected to confirm reservoir mobility and connectivity, perform downhole fluid analysis to determine hydrocarbon phase and composition, and recover representative hydrocarbon samples for laboratory analysis. The data obtained from these tests will be crucial in evaluating the recoverability and commercial potential of the hydrocarbons identified in the Essington-1 well.
ConocoPhillips Australia, as the project operator, holds a 51% stake in the venture, with Korea National Oil Company owning 29% and 3D Energi holding 20%. Noel Newell, executive chairman of 3D Energi, expressed optimism about the early results from Essington-1, noting clear indications of gas-bearing sandstones in both the primary and secondary targets. He emphasized the importance of completing formation testing to confirm gas composition and reservoir deliverability.
The discovery of gas at the Essington-1 well marks a significant milestone for ConocoPhillips and its partners in the Otway Basin exploration. The findings hold promise for the commercial potential of the hydrocarbons in the area, pending further testing and evaluation. This development underscores the importance of continued exploration efforts in unlocking the untapped resources in offshore Victoria, Australia.
“ConocoPhillips and partners find gas in exploration well in Otway Basin” was originally reported by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData-owned brand.
