Offshore staff
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Lundin Norway estimates recoverable reserves from its Gohta discovery in the Barents Sea to be in the 105-235 MMboe range.
This is based on results of production testing of the 71201/3 well in license PL492, drilled by the semisubmersibleTransocean Arctic in 342 m (1,122 ft) of water, 35 km (21.7 mi) north of the Snøhvit field. The flow rate was about 4,300 b/d of oil.
The well also proved oil in contact with an overlying gas cap. While drilling through the Permo-Carboniferous carbonate reservoir, the well encountered a 25-m (82-ft) gross gas column above a 75-m (246-ft) gross oil column in karstified and dolomitized limestone.
According to Lundin, the drillstem test that followed achieved stable flow of the reservoir over 24 hours. Pressure build-up lasted 36 hours with no evidence of faults or significant reservoir characteristics variations.
This was the first successful test of Permian carbonates reservoirs anywhere on the Norwegian shelf, the company adds.
Ashley Heppenstall, president and CEO, said: “We have for a number of years believed in the oil potential of the Barents Sea…The discovery has proved the Permian carbonate play concept in the area and as well as delineating the discovery, we will now look to drill similar exploration prospects in adjoining licenses where we have a significant acreage position.”
Transocean Arctic now heads south to PL418 in the Norwegian North Sea to drill appraisal well 35/9-10 S for Wintershall Norge.
10/02/2013
