McMoRan Exploration Co. flow tested and completed the Davy Jones No. 1 well, on South Marsh Island in Block 230, and work is ongoing to establish commercial production from the well.

The perforation of the Wilcox “D” sand resulted in positive pressure buildup in the wellbore followed by a gas flare from the well. Initial samples indicated that the natural gas from the Wilcox “D” sand is high-quality and contains low levels of carbon dioxide and no hydrogen sulfide. Blockage from drilling fluid associated with initial drilling operations prevented the company from obtaining a measurable flow rate. 

Attempts to perforate the Wilcox “C” sand did not clear the blockage and the company commenced operations to remove the tubing from the well, clear the residual drilling fluid, and remove the perforating guns currently set across the Wilcox “F” sand to provide access to all of the Wilcox reservoirs, “A” through “F”, totaling 200 net ft (70 m).

To maximize production from the well and enable effective formation penetrations, the company plans to use electric wireline casing guns that are larger than the tubing guns used to perforate the Wilcox “C” and “D” sands. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement issued the final permits to approve the current operations.

The company expects the operations currently under way will enable a measurable flow rate during second quarter 2012, followed by commercial production shortly thereafter.