BP makes new deepwater Gulf of Mexico discovery

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

BP said April 25 that it has made a major discovery at its Aspen field approximately 150 miles south-southwest of New Orleans, La., in the Green Canyon region of the Gulf of Mexico, adding to the company’s deepwater assets in the gulf.

BP said exploratory drilling by the Ocean Victory semi-submersible drilling rig confirmed the Aspen discovery, with 490 net feet of pay encountered. Development plans for the field are currently being evaluated.

“Aspen is another success in our world wide deepwater exploration program, and reinforces BP’s leadership role in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Jack Golden, BP group vice president.

Aspen is in approximately 3,000 feet of water at Green Canyon Block 243. BP has 80 percent ownership of the block. Nexen Petroleum USA Inc. owns the remaining 20 percent. Block 243 is near the BP-operated Troika field, which is jointly owned by BP, Shell and Marathon.

The former Vastar Resources Inc. of Houston purchased the Aspen field lease in March 1998. BP acquired its rights through its purchase of Vastar in 2000. Aspen is one of approximately 50 Vastar prospects BP is currently evaluating or developing.

“We are excited about Aspen’s potential and believe it will contribute to the near-term growth of BP’s portfolio,” said James Dupree, vice president of BP’s deepwater production.