Talos Energy Inc. revealed successful drilling results at the Daenerys exploration prospect in the Gulf of America, Houston-based Talos said Aug. 19.
The Daenerys prospect spans Walker Ridge blocks 106, 107, 150 and 151.
The discovery well was drilled to a total vertical depth of 33,228 ft utilizing the West Vela deepwater drillship.
It encountered oil pay in multiple sub-salt Miocene sands. The well was drilled approximately 12 days ahead of schedule and delivered approximately $16 million under budget, Talos said.
Talos, as operator, will hold a 27% working interest (WI); Shell Offshore Inc. will hold a 22.5% WI; Red Willow (22.5%); Houston Energy LP (10%); Cathexis (9%); and HEQ II Daenerys LLC (9%).
“We are encouraged by the results of our Daenerys discovery well, which confirms the presence of hydrocarbons and validates our geologic and geophysical models. We believe these results support Talos’s pre-drill resource assumptions,” said Talos President and CEO Paul Goodfellow.
“We are now working closely with our partners to design an appraisal program that will further delineate this exciting discovery. We anticipate spudding the appraisal well in the second quarter of 2026.”
Additionally, Talos on Aug. 14 announced executive leadership changes, “to further drive the Company’s offshore leadership position.”
The company appointed Zachary B. Dailey as executive vice president and CFO, effective Aug. 18.
Dailey joins Talos with over 17 years of oil and gas experience, most recently serving as vice president, controller and chief accounting officer for Marathon Oil Corp.
Talos also named William R. Langin as executive vice president of exploration and development, effective Sept. 29, and promoted Megan Dick to executive vice president and chief human resources officer.