Last month, West Cameron 352A-13 and West Cameron 343A-17 (offshore Louisiana) both encountered several hydrocarbon bearing sands ranging between 18 and 23 metres of net gas pay.

While no reserves estimates are currently available, Petsec said total results from the two latest successful wells are consistent with the pre-drilled map potential of 17 billion cubic feet of gas.

Petsec has sought to capitalise on its recent gas discoveries by spudding yesterday the West Cameron 343A-18 well, which is targeting five target sands with a total unrisked mapped potential of approximately 8 bcf gross of natural gas.

Working interests in the two West Cameron leases arse Petsec (75% and operator) with the remainder held by private US investors.