Chevron's Sappho-1 Natural Gas Find Strengthens LNG Projects Offshore Australia

13 July 2010

Following last week's announcement of the Clio-3 natural gas discovery, Chevron has discovered even more natural gas with the Sappho-1 exploration well in the highly prolific Carnarvon Basin offshore Western Australia.

Drilled to a total depth of 15,406 feet (4,696 meters), the Sappho-1 discovery well transected 246 feet (75 meters) of net natural gas pay. Located on the WA-392-P permit area, Sappho-1 is located 87 miles (140 kilometers northwest of Onslow.

Chevron serves as the operator of WA-392-P with 50 percent interest. Project partners include Shell and ExxonMobil with 25 percent interest each.

"The Sappho-1 discovery is another example of the success of Chevron's significant exploration investment in northwest Australia and will support our long-term plans to build a leading natural gas business to supply energy to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” said George Kirkland, vice chairman of Chevron.

The company hailed the Sappho discovery, saying it would support Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects.