Deepwater Exploration Potential in Sulu Sea Basin

Ma. Corazon V. Sta. Ana and Gil Ansay

Petroleum Resource Development Division
Department of Energy

Abstract

Exploration efforts in Sulu Sea Basin draw a significant attention to turbidites, an emerging petroleum play in the deeper parts of the basin. Two wells drilled in the slope-basinal area encountered turbiditic sands towards the bottom part of the wells. One well even had oil and gas shows in MDT samples. Recent re-interpretation of vintage 2D seismic data shows signature that can be correlated to turbidites. Exploration strategy by 3D acquisition can therefore reduce uncertainties that this new play holds.