The Pecten East-1 exploration well, located 15km north of the Casino gas field, is targeting additional gas reserves for the South Australian and Victorian markets.

Pecten East-1 will be followed by the Netherby-1 exploration well and Henry-2 development well that should access gas reserves estimated to produce for up to 15 years.

The development includes 17km of subsea pipeline and control umbilical that will be installed from the existing Casino facilities to Henry and Netherby, and a further 5km to the Pecten East location.

First gas production is targeted for the first half of 2009, with flow rates of 120 terajoules per day from the combined Casino and Henry development.

The Vic/P44 joint venture comprises Santos, as operator with 50%, AWE with 25% and Mitsui with the remaining 25%.