ConocoPhillips Commences Drilling of New Gas Exploration Well Offshore Australia

Wedoany.com Report-Dec.31, ConocoPhillips Australia, a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, has commenced drilling operations for a new gas exploration well in the Otway Basin offshore Victoria, Australia. The well is being drilled using the "Transocean Equinox" semi-submersible drilling rig from Transocean.

The exploration well, named Charlemont-1, spudded on December 10, 2025. According to project partner 3D Energi, gas shows were encountered approximately 160 meters above the primary target zone during drilling. Drilling operations have been suspended at a depth of 2552 meters due to encountering higher-than-expected pressure, allowing for an evaluation of the forward drilling plan.

ConocoPhillips Australia is the operator of this exploration well and holds a 51% interest in the project. Partners 3D Energi and Korea National Oil Corporation hold 20% and 29% interests, respectively. The VIC/P79 exploration permit area, where this well is located, previously achieved a gas discovery at the Essington-1 well in November 2025.

The operator stated that a technical evaluation is currently underway to determine a feasible plan for continuing drilling towards the primary target zone.