3D Energi has provided an update on drilling operations at the Essington-1 gas exploration well within the Conoco-operated VIC/P79 exploration permit, offshore Otway Basin, Victoria.
Highlights
- Essington-1 has intersected gas-bearing intervals in the Waarre C and Waarre A sandstones close to pre-drill predictions.
- A gross gas-bearing interval of 62.6 metres is interpreted on wireline logs in the primary Waarre A reservoir, comprising 58.5 metres of net pay.
- A gross gas-bearing interval of 33.2 metres is interpreted on wireline logs in the secondary Waarre C reservoir, comprising 31.5 metres of net pay.
- A clear gas gradient on pressure data provides additional evidence of moveable gas.
- Ora wireline formation testing will be conducted to obtain downhole gas samples and assess reservoir deliverability.
The Essington-1 exploration well, located within the VIC/P79 exploration permit offshore Victoria, was spud at 3:15am AEST on 1 November 2025 by the Transocean Equinox. The 8½-inch hole section penetrated both the primary (Waarre A) and secondary (Waarre C) reservoir targets and reached the planned Total Depth (TD) of 2735 metres MDRT safely and without incident.
Gas Peaks in the Waarre C and Waarre A Reservoirs
Elevated gas readings were recorded in both the Waarre C (intersected at 2265 metres MDRT) and Waarre A (intersected at 2515 metres MDRT) reservoirs. Gas readings are summarised in Table 1 in the Appendix.
In both reservoirs, gas peaks coincide with elevated resistivity readings observed on Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools, consistent with probable hydrocarbon presence.
A comprehensive formation evaluation program has commenced over the weekend, and wireline logs have been acquired across the 8½-inch hole section.
Wireline Logging Results Consistent with Gas-Charged Waarre Reservoirs
A petrophysical evaluation of the of the wireline log suite has been completed, supported by formation pressure data. Wireline results support the presence of moveable hydrocarbons:
- The Waarre C sandstone exhibits a gross gas-bearing interval of approximately 33.2 metres, including 31.5 metres of interpreted net pay. Reservoir quality is consistent with pre-drill predictions.
- The Waarre A sandstone contains a gross gas-bearing interval of approximately 62.6 metres, including 58.5 metres of interpreted net pay. Reservoir quality is consistent with pre-drill predictions.
While these results are encouraging and support the presence of moveable hydrocarbons, recoverability and commercial significance will be assessed following wireline formation testing using Schlumberger’s Ora platform.
Forward Plan – Ora Wireline Formation Testing
The Ora intelligent wireline formation testing platform will conduct controlled drawdowns and buildups across up to two (2) zones in the Waarre A to:
- Confirm reservoir mobility and connectivity;
- Perform downhole fluid analysis to confirm hydrocarbon phase and composition; and
- Recover representative hydrocarbon samples for PVT and compositional laboratory analysis
Results of the Ora wireline formation testing will be reported when available.
3D Energi Executive Chairman, Noel Newell, said
'The early results from Essington-1 are very encouraging, with clear indications of gas-bearing sandstones in both the primary and secondary targets. While we remain appropriately cautious until formation testing is complete, these results are consistent with the comprehensive pre-drill technical evaluation undertaken by 3D Energi. We look forward to the upcoming Ora program to confirm gas composition and reservoir deliverability.'
Equity interest
- 3D Energi Limited 20%
- ConocoPhillips Australia (Operator) 51%
- Korea National Oil Company 29%
Source: 3D Energi
