Developments in upper Gulf Coast of Texas in 1955

This report covers the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas, located in the southeastern corner of the state, and the adjacent Continental Shelf. In 1955 there were 1,675 wells drilled in the area; of these 55.5 per cent were successful. Exploratory tests numbered 335; however, only 41 or 12.2 per cent were successful. Drilling continued to be concentrated in the Frio and Yegua trends. A Fleming (Miocene) trend appears to be developing offshore. More oil was discovered in the Yegua formation than in any other formation. Oil and condensate production during 1955 was 163,887,994 barrels or slightly higher than in 1954. Thirty-six new-field discoveries were made in the area during the year. The three most important discoveries are the Manor Lake field, Brazoria County, Barb-Mag field, Fort Bend County, and Southwest Hardin field, Liberty County. Piercement-type salt domes were the most active old fields during the year. Important new-pool discoveries were made on several of these old domes. Leases were taken offshore on 39,887 acres of State land. Although the number of acres leased was less than in the preceding 1953 sale, the average price per acre was about three times as high. Leases taken on Federal submerged land amounted to 149,760 acres, or nearly five times the amount leased in 1954. However, the average price paid per acre was only about 110 that of the previous year. Drilling on the Continental Shelf discovered three new fields during the year. During 1955 there was a 30 per cent increase in geophysical exploration over the previous year. Exploration and development activities should remain at a high level around the flanks of salt domes. Offshore drilling operations will probably increase during 1956.