Triton finds again gas in Gulf of Thailand

Triton Energy has discovered another natural-gas field on Block A-18 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area in the Gulf of Thailand. The Samudra-1 well is the third field discovered in 1997 and the seventh field found on Block A-18.
Located in the south-west portion of the block, the Samudra Field confirms the existence of a new play fairway on the western portion of Block A-18. It is on trend with the Senja Field discovered earlier this year.
"The Samudra discovery opens up the opportunity for further exploration of Block A-18's western platform," said Al Turner, Triton Senior Vice President, Operations.
Samudra-1 flowed at a stabilised combined daily rate of 49 million cubic feet of gas and 858 barrels of condensate from selected intervals. The fourth successful well drilled this year on Block A-18, Samudra-1 exhibited 560 feet of net gas and oil pay. Some of the zones tested in the well had a higher carbon dioxide content than previous wells.
The well was flow tested from 5 selected intervals between 6,515 and 11,168 feet through choke sizes ranging from 3/4-inch to 7/8-inch. Flowing tubing pressure was between 1,076 and 1,851 psi. The condensate was 43-52 degrees API gravity.
The Samudra-1 was drilled in approximately 176 feet of water to a depth of 12,000 feet.
Drilling should begin soon on the last exploratory well to be drilled in 1997 on Block A-18, the Wira-1. To be located in the central portion of the block, this well will explore a new, untested play type.
Carigali-Triton Operating Company, the operator, is jointly owned by Petronas Carigali (JDA) Sdn. Bhd., an exploration and production subsidiary of Petronas (50% interest), and a subsidiary of Triton (50% interest).
Block A-18, which covers 295,832 hectares (731,000 acres), is located about 450 km from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and 750 km from Bangkok, Thailand, in the northern Malay Basin.