Wintershall to Drill Two Exploratory Wells in Gulf of Mexico

CNH approved Wintershall Dea's proposed modification of the exploration plan for shallow water wells Kan-1EXP and Ix-1EXP, located within the perimeter of contract area CNH-R03-L01-AS-CS-14/2018. The shared production contract extends across an area of 527.89km² in the Salina del Istmo geological area, 50km northeast of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz and 65km northwest of Paraiso, Tabasco. The exploration plan for the initial exploration period (IEP) was approved by the CNH through Resolution CNH.E.56.008/19 of Sept. 17, 2019 and is due to expire on Oct. 1, 2023.

"The objective of the modification to the Plan in the Initial Exploration Period, which consists of the Base and Incremental operational scenarios, is to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential within the Contract Area through the drilling of two exploratory prospects Kan-1EXP, with Sidetrack in the Incremental Scenario, and Ix-1EXP, targeting the Miocene layer," read a statement from issued following the 43rd Extraordinary Session of the CNH, presided over by the commission’s President, Rogelio Hernández Cázares.

The changes to the drilling program were proposed in light of results from completed exploration activities, mainly from the processing of 3D seismic information the company obtained. According to calculations, the project will require an investment of between US$65 and US$81 million, considering both operative scenarios with the prospect of recovering 48 MMboe. The scheduled activities will also include an update of the exploratory studies after further drilling.

Wintershall Dea entered the Mexican hydrocarbons market in 2017 and has since established itself a major player in a short amount of time. Most notable was the German company’s takeover of the operatorship of the onshore Ogarrio oil field with a fifty percent stake, as well as its participation in the lucrative Zama field, one of the world’s largest recent shallow-water discoveries. However, Wintershall is now setting its sights on expanding its promising offshore portfolio. The IOC currently holds shares in 10 offshore exploration blocks in the Gulf of Mexico, operating Blocks 16 and 17 in the Tampico-Misantla Basin as well as Block 30 In the Sureste Basin.  Following its acquisition of Sierra Oil and Gas in 2018, Wintershall Dea is also an active partner in a further six exploration blocks. Furthermore, in May 2020, Wintershall and its partners made two significant discoveries in Polok and Chinwol, opening a play in the Salina basin.