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    1. Drilling & Completion

    Phase II drilling lifts oil production at Ebok field offshore Nigeria

    Aug. 30, 2011
    Production from the shallow water Ebok field offshore Nigeria, West Africa, is building to 17,000 b/d, according to operator Afren.

    Offshore staff

    LONDON – Production from the shallow water Ebok field offshore Nigeria, West Africa, is building to 17,000 b/d, according to operator Afren.

    The Phase I development came onstream earlier this year through five wells in the D2 reservoir. Afren has since brought on line another producer well targeting the D1 reservoir in the same central fault block area.

    This well has delivered 4,000 b/d, with the assistance of a downhole pump. Due to the strong performance, the partners plan additional development of the D1 reservoir at this location.

    Phase II development drilling is under way, targeting Ebok’s west fault block area. The jackup GSF High Island Vll is to drill five horizontal producer wells and up to two water injectors.

    So far, Afren says results have exceeded expectations, with longer oil-bearing sections and better reservoir properties in the LD-1E reservoir in particular. Three wells should come onstream shortly, with Phase II set to add 20,000 b/d to gross field output once all five wells are in service.

    After finishing this program, the rig will start drilling additional production wells, targeting Ebok’ssouthwest area, from the west fault block wellhead platform.

    The jackup Adriatic IX will next drilling three D1 producer wells from the Phase 1 wellhead platform location, followed by an exploration well to test the 35-MMbbl Ebok North prospect.

    Another commercial development is in prospect at the nearby Okwok field, where recoverable reserves are estimated at 51.8 MMbbl.

    An extensive multi-component ocean bottom cable (OBC) 3D seismic survey is under way across the broader Okwok area, designed to provide data to assist with further appraisal and development planning. Acquisition should finish next month.

    Following a period of interpretation and integration with existing data, Afren aims to spud an appraisal well in the first half of next year and to submit a field development plan in mid-2012. Okwok will likely require a standalone development solution, but could share Ebok’s storage and offtake facilities.

    In the offshore OML 115 concession, Afren plans to drill an exploration well in mid-2012 on the 60-MMbbl Ufon prospect, thought to have potential for oil in the same D series reservoirs proven to be productive at Ebok and Okwok.

    Afren also expects drilling to resume shortly on block 1, in the offshore Nigeria – São Tomé & Príncipe JDZ.

    New operator Total plans one appraisal well on the Obo discovery in 2011 and one exploratory well next year (Afren 4.41%). The Pacific Scirocco rig should spud the first well this fall.

    08/30/2011