Stone Energy has confirmed the plugging and abandonment of a non-operated deepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico after failing to hit hydrocarbons, but it is still under way with another that it does operate, while also having two more prospects lined up to start drilling imminently.

The company suffered disappointment with the Apache Energy-operated well on the San Marcos prospect, about 130 miles southeast of New Orleans in Mississippi Canyon Block 983. The probe was drilled to a total depth of 8,687 m (28,500 ft) without encountering commercial hydrocarbons. Stone holds a 25% non-operated working interest in the well.

The deepwater Amethyst prospect in MC26 continues to be drilled, it said (using the Diamond Ocean Victory rig), and is currently at approximately 4,663 m (15,300 ft) with a targeted depth of approximately 6,096 m (20,000 ft). Stone holds a 100% working interest in MC26 as operator. The Amethyst well is expected to encounter its targeted objectives in late January, and if successful is likely to be online and flowing during 2015, it is understood.

In addition, the Ensco 8502 rig is due to spud a well this month on the deepwater Cardona development project in MC29. Stone holds a 65% working interest in the well as operator, with a well on Cardona South also expected to be drilled. If successful, production could be flowing from these fields by late 2014, DI hears.

It also expects a well to be spudded on the ExxonMobil-operated Mica Deep prospect (MC211) during the first quarter. Stone holds a 50% non-operated working interest in the prospect.

Offshore