Operator Apache drilled Artreus-1 well to a depth of 4046 metres from the Harriet venture's existing Agincourt platform.

The partners were evaluating options for a rapid development of the Artreus accumulation, Tap said.

Reserves had yet to be calculated for the Artreus structure, but Tap described the initial results as 'very enoucouraging' and said the oil column height was consistent with pre-drill expectations.

Meanwhile, the Harriet joint venture is currently drilling two other wells in its Carnarvon Basin permits - the Lansdowne-1 in TL/6 and the Bambra-7H development well in TL/1.

Located about five kilometres south of the Agincourt Platform, Lansdowne-1 was spudded on September 5 and will continue drilling to a total depth of 3815 metres. It is expected to reach total depth on the weekend.

A development well will be drilled from the existing South Plato Platform if Lansdowne-1 confirms the presence of hydrocarbons in the Double Island and Flag reservoirs, said Tap.

The Bambra-7H deviated development well is in TL/1 and is being drilled from the Harriet Bravo Platform.

It is designed as a long-reach, dual lateral horizontal oil producer, designed to develop oil and gas fields in the Bambra Field, with first production expected by late October this year.

The Harriet partners are: Apache Northwest (operator and 68.5%), Kufpec Australia (19.3%) and Tap Oil (12.2%).