LLOG Exploration Company (LLOG) has started development drilling operations at the Buckskin project in the Gulf of Mexico’s deepwater.
The deepwater development project has been delineated by multiple prior wells, and is located on Keathley Canyon blocks 785, 828, 829, 830, 871 and 872 in around 6,800ft of water.
The project’s initial phase is expected to comprise two development wells in Keathley Canyon 829 and a six-mile subsea tieback to the Lucius platform at Keathley Canyon 875.
Once drilling and completion of the initial two wells has been performed, the partners will undertake installation of subsea facilities. The wells will be drilled to depths of approximately 29,000ft.
LLOG president and CEO Scott Gutterman said: “The start of drilling at Buckskin is a significant milestone for LLOG, given the size of the field and the fact that it is our first development in the Lower Tertiary trend.
“We are looking forward to successful completion of the project and are excited about the potential of Buckskin and other opportunities in the Lower Tertiary.”
The field is estimated to contain nearly five billion barrels of oil in-place, with the first production scheduled for mid-2019.
Upon completion of the initial phase, the partners intend to consider additional wells and subsea facilities in an effort to fully develop the field, which is operated by LLOG Exploration Offshore.
Affiliates of LLOG – Buckstone Development Company and LLOG Deepwater Development Company I hold a 33.8% working interest in the Buckskin development.
Other stakeholders in the project include Repsol E&P USA, Beacon Offshore Energy Buckskin, Navitas Buckskin US and two entities managed by Ridgewood Energy.
