World Oil staff
Last month, operator Harbour Energy announced the successful appraisal of the Kan discovery in Block 30 of the Salina del Istmo basin, offshore Mexico, Fig. 1. Harbour holds a 70% interest in the block, alongside partner TotalEnergies (30%).
Fig. 1. Borr Drilling’s Ran rig drilled the Kan appraisal well, in addition to drilling the discovery well in 2023.
The appraisal campaign, completed on time and within budget, validated volumes above pre-drill P50 estimates. Based on new data from the appraisal well, Harbour has significantly increased its oil-in-place estimate for Kan from 200 MMbbl-to–300 MMbbl to 500 MMbbl of oil-in-place, with updated gross recoverable resources of approximately 150 MMbbl—a 50% increase over initial projections. This makes Kan one of the largest discoveries offshore Mexico since Zama in 2017.
“This successful appraisal campaign reflects careful technical planning, collaboration and execution, and marks a major milestone for Harbour Energy in Mexico,” said Bernhard Siethoff, Harbour’s Vice President of Exploration and Subsurface for Mexico. “It validates the quality of the Kan discovery and demonstrates our ability to safely and efficiently deliver high-value resource growth,” added Sergio Calles, Block 30 Exploration and Appraisal manager. “The results open a clear path towards potential development.”
According to the company, this outcome strengthens Harbour Energy’s strategic position in Mexico and supports its broader commitment to regional energy security through responsible and efficient resource development.
As Kan advances, Harbour said it will continue working closely with government authorities, communities and stakeholders to deliver value for Mexico—fostering transparent dialogue, promoting local content, and aligning development with national priorities and environmental stewardship.
In Block 30, Harbour discovered roughly 100 MMboe (Harbour 2C estimate) at the Kan oil field in 2023. Based on the initial find, appraisal well operations began during August 2024. In a financial presentation a few months back, Harbour said it has the largest reserve and resource base after Pemex in Mexico.
About Harbour Energy. Since its creation in 2014, Harbour Energy has grown to become one of the world’s larger, most geographically diverse independent oil and gas companies. Harbour produces between 455,000 and 475,000 boed, with significant output in Mexico, Norway, the UK, Germany, Argentina and North Africa. Harbour benefits from competitive operating costs and resilient margins, and a broad set of growth options including near-infrastructure opportunities in Norway, unconventional scalable opportunities in Argentina and conventional offshore projects in Mexico and Indonesia. The company has low GHG emissions intensity and a leading CO2 storage position in Europe. Harbour is headquartered in London, with approximately 5,000 staff and contractors across its operations and offices.
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