CNR, Total agree on timetable for offshore West, South Africa drilling

Nov. 8, 2013
Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) expects to participate in two exploration wells offshore Africa next year.

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada – Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) expects to participate in two exploration wells offshore Africa next year.

One will be in the first half of 2014 on Cote d’Ivoire block CI-514, targeting channel/fan structures similar to the Jubilee oil discoveries off neighboring Ghana. CNR has a 36% interest in this block.

The other well will be drilled on South African offshore block 11B/12B. Long-lead equipment is on order.

Additionally, CNR is negotiating for a rig for a 10-well light crude oil infill drilling program at itsEspoir field offshore Cote d’Ivoire, which is targeted to start in the second half of 2014. The following year, the company plans a seven-well campaign on its nearby offshore Baobab field.

Toward the end of this year, CNR hopes to start a 3D seismic survey over its newly acquired block CI-12, 35 km (21.7 mi) west of Espoir and Baobab. This could be followed by exploration drilling in 2015.

11/8/2013