Shell has hit an oil-bearing zone at its Yucatan North-1 exploration well in the US Gulf of Mexico, Shell's partner Inpex confirmed.
The oil-bearing zone, located within Walker Ridge 95/96/139/140 blocks, contains approximately 36m net pay. The Yucatan North-1 was drilled by the Noble Globetrotter ultra-deewater drillship to a total depth of approximately 9500m. The data acquired during the drilling is currently being analyzed, Inpex said.
The Walker Ridge 95/96/139/140 blocks are located 280km off the coast of New Orleans, Louisiana, and cover an area of 87sq km.
Shell operates Yucatan North-1 with 70% interest. Its partners include Anadarko and Inpex, with each holding a 15% interest.