Significant Discovery at Katmai West #2
Talos Energy Inc. has achieved a major milestone with the successful drilling of the Katmai West #2 well in the Ewing Bank area of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The company reported the discovery of commercial quantities of oil and natural gas, exceeding expectations in both timing and budget efficiency. John Spath, Talos’s Interim Co-President, EVP, and Head of Operations, highlighted the team’s accomplishment, noting the project was delivered approximately 35% under budget and over a month ahead of schedule.
Spath emphasized that the results align with pre-drill assessments of the region’s resource potential. He expressed optimism about the greater Katmai area’s long-term value and the potential this discovery holds for boosting the company’s operations into 2025.
Efficient Drilling Process and Future Plans
The drilling of the Katmai West #2 well began in late October 2024, utilizing the drillship West Vela. Talos Energy plans to case and suspend the well by January 2025, with final completion set for the second quarter of the year. Production is anticipated to commence shortly after, leveraging existing subsea infrastructure.
The well will connect to the Tarantula facility, which recently underwent upgrades to expand its production capacity to 35 MBoe/d (thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day). This expansion allows Talos to maintain a steady production rate with minimal declines over time. The company remains committed to operational excellence and ensuring high safety and environmental standards throughout the process.
Collaboration and Ownership Structure
Talos Energy operates the Katmai West field with a 50% working interest, while the remaining share is held by Ridgewood Energy Corporation-managed entities. In addition to overseeing the field’s operations, Talos is the sole owner and operator of the Tarantula facility, ensuring streamlined management of production and infrastructure.
This discovery reinforces Talos Energy’s position as a key player in the Gulf of Mexico’s energy sector, with plans to capitalize on this achievement to drive further growth in 2025.
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