Santos reports Alaska appraisal success as Quokka-1 confirms Nanushuk potential
(WO) - Santos has reported positive results from its Quokka-1 appraisal well on Alaska’s North Slope, confirming the presence of a high-quality Nanushuk reservoir and supporting development planning at the Quokka Unit.
The well, in which Santos holds a 51% operating interest alongside partner Repsol (49%), encountered approximately 143 ft of net oil pay with average porosity of 19%. Following a single-stage fracture stimulation, Quokka-1 achieved a flow rate of 2,190 bpd.
Drilled to a total depth of 4,787 ft, the appraisal well is located about six miles from the Mitquq-1 discovery drilled in 2020. Santos said reservoir sands correlate between the two wells, with fluid analysis confirming light oil, supporting favorable production performance and pricing expectations.
The results underpin plans for a potential two-drill-site development targeting the Nanushuk formation, with production capacity expected to be comparable to the Pikka phase 1 project. Santos has initiated development planning and key permitting activities.
As of year-end 2025, the Quokka Unit held 2C contingent resources of 177 MMboe. The company said resource estimates remain under evaluation, with updated assessments expected as appraisal data is incorporated.
“The Quokka-1 results demonstrate the quality of the Nanushuk reservoir and support our view of this as a material addition to our Alaska portfolio,” said Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher.
The appraisal success comes as Santos nears startup at its Pikka phase 1 development, also located on Alaska’s North Slope. The project is mechanically complete, with commissioning activities underway. Fuel gas has been introduced to the plant, and first oil is expected in the coming weeks.
At the end of the first quarter, 24 development wells had been drilled at Pikka, with 20 wells frac’d and flowed back in line with expectations. Plateau production is targeted at 80,000 bpd, with initial cargo shipments expected to follow pipeline fill and inventory build.
Santos is also planning a 3D seismic survey over the Quokka area during the 2026–2027 winter season to further refine reservoir characterization and optimize development design.
In parallel, the company provided an update on its Barossa gas project offshore Australia. Production has been constrained during commissioning, though Santos said key equipment issues, including dry gas seal replacements on FPSO compressors, have been addressed. Restart of production is targeted around mid-April, with the project expected to ramp up to full rates following completion of commissioning activities.
Santos continues to position its Alaska and LNG assets as key components of its growth portfolio, with Quokka representing a potential extension of its North Slope development runway alongside Pikka.
