Tuesday – October 13, 2026
Oil & Gas

Murphy Oil Scores Appraisal and Discovery Wins Offshore Côte d’Ivoire and Vietnam

Murphy Oil Corporation has announced successful appraisal at the Bubale West-1X well offshore Côte d'Ivoire and an exploration discovery at the Lac Da Trang (White Camel) North-1X well offshore Vietnam.

In addition, Murphy Oil also announced first oil from the Lac Da Vang (Golden Camel) field offshore Vietnam and production from the Chinook #8 development well in the Gulf of America.

“These achievements highlight Murphy’s ability to create value across exploration, appraisal and development,” stated Eric M. Hambly, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Bubale West-1X and Lac Da Trang North-1X further expand our resource potential, while development progress at Lac Da Vang and Chinook #8 demonstrate our ability to efficiently convert resources into production and cash flow. Together, these results strengthen our portfolio and position Murphy to create long-term shareholder value.”

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

The Bubale West-1X well in Block CI-103 offshore Côte d’Ivoire was drilled to a total measured depth of approximately 19,357 feet (5,900 meters) in 9,039 feet (2,755 meters) of water and encountered approximately 88 feet (27 meters) of net oil pay in the Turonian reservoir. Additional hydrocarbons were also encountered in the deeper Albian reservoir.

Preliminary analysis of logs and fluid samples indicates high-quality oil. Information obtained from the well will be integrated with existing subsurface data to optimize the remaining appraisal program at Bubale.

Murphy’s subsidiary, Murphy CI-103 Oil Co., Ltd., holds an 85 percent working interest in Block CI-103 and serves as operator. Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de la Côte d’Ivoire (PETROCI) holds the remaining 15 percent working interest.

VIETNAM

Murphy achieved first oil from the Lac Da Vang field in Block 15-1/05 offshore Vietnam on September 27, 2026. The development is expected to ramp up through 2028 as additional wells are brought online, with net peak production of approximately 10–15 MBOEPD in 2028–2029.

The achievement of first oil represents a major milestone in Murphy’s Vietnam strategy and establishes a new source of production and cash flow from the Company’s offshore portfolio.

Murphy also announced a successful exploration result at the Lac Da Trang North-1X well in Block 15-1/05, which encountered 131 feet (40 meters) of net oil pay. The well was drilled to a total measured depth of approximately 12,579 feet (3,834 meters) in 147 feet (45 meters) of water.

The Company and its partners will evaluate the Lac Da Trang North-1X data and assess potential appraisal and development options. Importantly, the now-producing Lac Da Vang asset provides nearby infrastructure for a potential tieback of the Lac Da Trang North discovery, creating a pathway to a capital-efficient, shorter-cycle development.

Murphy’s subsidiary, Murphy Cuu Long Bac Oil Co., Ltd., serves as the operator of Block 15-1/05, holding a 40 percent working interest. PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation Ltd. holds a 35 percent working interest and SK Earthon Co. Ltd. holds the remaining 25 percent.

GULF OF AMERICA

The Chinook #8 development well in Walker Ridge Block 425 is now online and producing through the Pioneer floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) in the Cascade-Chinook field. Consistent with pre-drill expectations, the well achieved an initial gross production rate of approximately 15 MBOEPD.

Murphy, through its subsidiaries, holds an 86.7 percent working interest in Chinook #8. Petrobras America Inc. holds the remaining 13.3 percent through its ownership interest in MP GOM.

Offshore Source keeps you updated with relevant information concerning the Offshore Energy Sector.

Subscribe to Offshore Source Newsletter today!