Talos-led group appraises Daenerys discovery with Seadrill’s West Vela

Talos Energy and its partners spudded the Daenerys appraisal well on 1 July 2026, using the Seadrill West Vela drillship to further define last year’s discovery in the US Gulf. The well targeted Walker Ridge blocks 106, 107, 150 and 151, with operations progressing according to plan and results expected by year-end 2026.

The discovery well, drilled to a total vertical depth of 33,228 ft, had encountered oil pay in multiple high-quality, sub-salt Miocene sands before being temporarily suspended to preserve its future utility. Talos Energy operates the Daenerys project with a 27% working interest, alongside partners Shell Offshore (22.5%), Red Willow (22.5%), Houston Energy (10%), HEQ II Daenerys (9%) and Cathexis (9%).

Talos separately confirmed it has contracted the West Vela for a full 12-month term with options, citing the depth of drilling opportunities across its portfolio; the company noted the commitment is not dependent on follow-on Daenerys activity alone.