Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) has completed the exploratory drilling which started on April 13, 2019 at offshore Hidaka area of Hokkaido, on August 2, 2019.

The operation of exploratory drilling is a part of the offshore exploration project commissioned by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (ANRE). The location of the exploration well is at approximately 50 kilometers offshore of Hidaka area of Hokkaido with the water depth of approximately 1,070 meters. The well was safely drilled to a depth of approximately 2,530 meters below the seabed, in support of the understanding and cooperation from the local community and local government.

While various geological data were obtained through the operations, production test was also conducted against the gas reservoir where indications of natural gas existence was recognized, and achieved stable gas production.

JAPEX will conduct analysis and evaluation of the data obtained this time, and will further consider the possibility of exploration opportunity in this area.

About Japex

JAPEX is engaged in projects in Japan and overseas that span the E&P value chain, from exploration, development, production and transportation to supply for long-term stable supply of energy.

Recently JAPEX has been focusing on three main business areas; E&P Business as our core business, Domestic Natural Gas Supply Business as stable supply and growth its volume of natural gas for clients, and Environment and Innovative Technology Business as new energy development utilizing our accumulative technologies and insights through E&P business.

Furthermore, JAPEX is aiming to “Transform to an Integrated Energy Company with a Focus on E&P” to expand our business area wider related to oil and gas E&P.