Eni has increased its estimate for hydrocarbon in place to 2.0 billion barrels of oil equivalent (Bboe) for its discoveries in Mexico’s Campeche Bay after a well in the area struck pay.

The Italian major said Dec. 12 the shallow-water Tecoalli 2 well, located in Contractural Area 1, hit about 40 m (131 ft) of net oil pay in the Orca Formation. With a water depth of 33 m (108 ft), the well was drilled to a final depth of 4,420 m (14,501 ft) and then deepened to the Cinco Presidentes formation exploratory target. There, the well hit another 27 m (89 ft) of net oil pay, Eni said in a news release.

Next steps include conducting a production test followed by temporarily abandoning the well.

“Thanks to the results of this well and the revision of the reservoir models of the Amoca and Miztón fields, the hydrocarbon in place estimate for Area 1 is boosted from 1.4 to 2.0 [Bboe], of which approximately 90% oil and the remaining associated gas,” Eni said.

The Tecoalli Field is 24 km (15 miles) from the Amoca Field and 13 km (8 miles) from the Miztón Field.

The company also said it plans to submit the development plan for Area 1 (Eni 100%) to Mexico’s Natural Hydrocarbons Commission. When the plan is approved, Eni said it will sanction the development. Production startup is planned for first-half 2019.

Offshore