Chinook (WR469) - Murphy

Location

The Chinook (WR469) project is located in the Gulf of Mexico, specifically in the Western Gulf of Mexico, within the WR 469 block.

Operator and Ownership

The project is operated by BHP, although it is associated with Murphy Oil as part of their asset portfolio. Initially, the discovery was made by BHP, but Murphy Oil has interests in the area.

Discovery Date

The Chinook field was discovered in 2003.

Water Depth

The field is situated in a water depth of approximately 8,826 feet.

Geological Formation

The Chinook field is part of the Lower Tertiary trend in the Gulf of Mexico. This region is characterized by complex geological formations, including salt overlays and tight rock formations, which require advanced seismic imaging and drilling technologies to navigate.

Development and Production

As of the available data, the project involves deepwater drilling and development. The development process in such deepwater environments typically involves several years of appraisal and infrastructure setup. For similar projects in the Lower Tertiary trend, it often takes around a year to fully assess the potential flows from the well and an additional three to five years to build out and produce the first oil.

Infrastructure and Drilling

The development of the Chinook field, like other projects in the area, would likely involve the use of deepwater drilling rigs capable of operating in extreme depths. For example, rigs like the West Sirius or Ocean Endeavor, which are designed to drill in up to 10,000 feet of water and to depths of over 35,000 feet, could be utilized for such projects.

Current Status

As of the latest available information, the Chinook (WR469) is an operating oil and gas asset. However, specific details on the current production rates, recent developments, or any updates on the field's status would require more recent data than what is currently available.