Chevron Corp. has announced a natural gas discovery by its Australian subsidiary in the Greater Gorgon area of the Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia.

The Pontus-1 exploration well encountered approximately 30m (97 ft) of net gas pay. The well is located in the WA-37-L permit area in the Greater Gorgon Area gas fields, approximately 65 km (40 miles) northwest of Barrow Island. The well was drilled in 210 m (690 ft) of water to a total depth of 5,054 m (16,581 ft).

George Kirkland, vice chairman of Chevron, said: “The Pontus-1 discovery again highlights Chevron’s exploration success as we continue building a significant natural gas position in western Australia to supply Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Melody Meyer, president of Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Co., said: “This discovery represents our fourteenth discovery offshore northwestern Australia since 2009 and will support potential future expansion opportunities for the Gorgon project.”

Chevron Australia is the operator of WA-37-L and holds a 47.3% interest in the permit. Exxon Mobil and Shell Development Australia both hold 25%. Osaka Gas holds 1.25%, Tokyo Gas holds 1%, and Chubu Electric Power holds approximately 0.42%.