Shell posts huge Gulf of Mexico oil find

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, March 19 (UPI) -- Royal Dutch Shell revealed a discovery Friday in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico that encountered roughly 530 feet of net oil play.

Shell said Friday it uncovered a "significant" oil discovery in the eastern deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The discovery in the Appomattox prospect was found in 7,217 feet of water in Mississippi Canyon blocks 391 and 392.

Shell drilled a 25,000-foot discovery well in block 392 that encountered roughly 530 feet of oil pay. A 25,950-foot appraisal sidetrack encountered roughly 380 feet of oil pay.

David Lawrence, executive vice president for exploration at Shell, said his company was pleased to add the latest discoveries to its growing portfolio in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Shell has the technology, the expertise and a skilled, motivated workforce to expand oil and natural gas production in the (United States) and worldwide," he added.

The deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico are considered one of the most promising resource basins in the world. International explorers say offshore exploration could ease U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Shell said it plans additional appraisal wells in the region later this year.