Publications

Advances in exploration and drilling technology led to discoveries in progressively deeper water on the Western Makassar Strait slope. Step one was recognition of Mio-Pliocene aged channel-shaped features outboard of the shelf-slope break, in water too deep for existing drilling rigs in the region. Step two was advancement of technology that allowed drilling of deep-water prospects, leading to discovery of oil and gas in slope-channel sands at Merah Besar and Seno. Additional upgrades extended drilling to over 3000 feet water depth, resulting in discoveries farther to the east (Gendalo, Ranggas). Further refinement led to drilling of the Gehem prospect in over 6000 feet of water to total depth over 15,000 feet, thus reaching Middle Miocene fan-sands containing a significant gas column. Substantial exploration potential remains in base-of-slope fan plays of the Middle Miocene. Engineering advances have extended drilling capabilities to water depths of over 7,500 feet. The exploration and drilling team has turned exploration plays into discoveries, and if this history is a guide, then future innovation will turn the Indonesia Deepwater Development project into reality.