Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration Properties Alpha Limited, companies of the Shell Group, announced they have made discoveries in two 'Big Cat prospects'. Further appraisal is required to determine the discoveries' resource potential. The wells, in blocks OPL 322 and OPL 245, were both in frontier areas. Bobo -1X was drilled in block OPL 322, to a total depth of 5,173 m in 2,479 m of water, the second deepest well in offshore Nigeria. Drilling was completed on 16 July 2005, under budget, and found over 140 meters of hydrocarbon bearing sands. Shell Nigeria Exploration Properties Alpha Limited has a 40 per cent shareholding in OPL 322. mEtan -1X was drilled in block OPL 245 to a total depth of 4,574 m in 1,720 m of water.
