Spudded three weeks ago on June 21, the Chandon-1 well was drilled in 1200m of water to total depth of 3100m using the semi-submersible Transocean “Jack Bates” rig.

Chevron Australia managing director Jay Johnson said Chandon could be an important addition to the company’s gas resources.

“Success in our exploration efforts is always welcome and as Chandon-1 is an exploration well, further work is required to determine the potential of the gas find,” he said.

“Our efforts to commercialise the fields of the Greater Gorgon area, our commitment to the expansion of the North West Shelf Venture and our increased exploration program in the region have all the potential to deliver significant long-term benefits to Australia.”

Chevron International Exploration and Production president John Watson said this gas find underscored the value of focusing Chevron’s exploration program on high-impact opportunities.

“Our continued exploration successes in Australia, combined with our commitment to developing these resources, offers great prospects for gas markets across the Asia-Pacific and North America regions,” he said.

Permit WA-268-P is 100% held by Chevron affiliate Texaco Australia. A farm-in arrangement with affiliates of ExxonMobil and Shell has been executed to align future permit equity with the 2005 Gorgon Area Framework Agreement, which underpins development of the Greater Gorgon area gas resources.

Chevron Australia is operator and 50% joint venture partner in the Gorgon project.