Statoil has struck oil in its Yeti prospect in the Gulf of Mexico.

Statoil makes new discovery in Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON, April 10, 2015 – Norwegian multinational Statoil announced Thursday that it had struck oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The company made the discovery at its Yeti prospect in Walker Ridge block 160, located nearly 355 kilometres south of New Orleans.

“We are analysing data to determine the size of the discovery in order to consider future appraisal options,” Jez Averty, Statoil’s senior vice-president of exploration for North America, said in a statement.

Semi-submersible rig Maersk Developer, owned by Danish rig operator Maersk Drilling, was used to drill the exploration well at a rate of about 123 metres per day.

The company holds a 50-percent operating interest in the field. Other partners in the project are US companies Anadarko Petroleum with a 37.5-percent share, and Samson Offshore holding 12.5 percent.

Along with Yeti, Statoil holds stakes in other fields in the Gulf of Mexico, including Stampede, Jack, Big Foot and St Malo.

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