OMV New Zealand has spudded the Whio-1 exploration well in exploration permit PEP 51312 in the Taranaki basin offshore New Zealand, says JV partner Cue Energy Resources.
The well is being drilled by the semisubmersible drilling rig Kan Tan IV about 110km southwest of New Plymouth, Taranaki, and 4.5km southeast of the Maari well-head platform.
The primary reservoir objectives at Whio are the M2A Sandstone and Mangahewa Formation, which are oil bearing in the Maari Field. Secondary reservoir objectives are the Moki, Kaimiro and Farewell formations.
Cue’s assessment of Whio indicates mean unrisked prospective resources of 18MMbo gross.
"The close proximity of Whio to existing production infrastructure at the Maari Field provides potential opportunities for early development of any discovered petroleum. A successful well at Whio will open additional exploration potential along the Tasman Ridge to the south of Maari, including the Matariki Prospect," said Cue.