Anadarko Petroleum Corporation reports a discovery at the Lucius exploration well in Keathley Canyon block 875. The well encountered more than 200 feet of net pay in subsalt Pliocene and Miocene sands.

"The Lucius discovery continues to demonstrate the tremendous value of our Gulf of Mexico portfolio," said Bob Daniels, Anadarko Sr. Vice President, Worldwide Exploration. "Lucius is a three-way structure against salt, and the results of the well indicate thick reservoir sands with very good porosity and permeability. We are continuing to gather data to evaluate the fluids from the well. These initial results are very encouraging, so we plan to immediately drill an up-dip sidetrack appraisal well to delineate the reservoir's areal extent. Additionally, the proximity and availability of our Red Hawk cell spar enhances our potential development options and offers the opportunity to accelerate the production of these resources."

The Lucius discovery was drilled to a total depth of about 20,000 feet in approximately 7,100 feet of water, using the new ultra-deepwater Ensco 8500 semi-submersible drilling rig. The up-dip sidetrack appraisal well will be drilled on the same block, approximately 3,200 feet due south of the discovery.

Tags: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation