Offshore staff
EDINBURGH, UK – Cairn Energy and partners ConocoPhillips, FAR, and Petrosen have discovered oil in deepwater offshore Senegal.
The semisubmersibleCajun Express drilled the FAN-1 exploration well in the Sangomar Deep block in 1,427 m (4,681 ft) of water, 100 km (62 mi) offshore. The well, which reached TD of 4,927 m (16,164 ft), was designed to test multiple stacked deepwater fans.
Analysis suggests the well intersected 29 m (95 ft) of net oil-bearing reservoir in Cretaceous sandstones, with no water contact encountered in a gross oil-bearing interval of more than 500 m (1,640 ft).
Oil encountered ranges from 28° API up to 41° API, based on samples recovered to surface. Initial gross in-place estimates range from P90 (250 MMbbl) to P10 (2.5 Bbbl), in line with pre-drill forecasts.
The partners plan further evaluation to calibrate the well with existing 3D seismic to determine their future plans and to optimize follow-up locations for appraisal drilling.
After completingFAN-1 the rig will mobilize to drill the SNE-1 well on the same block, where the top hole was drilled earlier this year. This is a shelf edge prospect targeting a dual objective with prospective resources of 600 MMbbl in 1,100 m (3,609 ft) water depth.
Simon Thomson, CEO of Cairn Energy, said: “We have encountered a very substantial oil-bearing interval, which may have significant potential as a standalone discovery. Furthermore, this result materially upgrades the prospectivity of the block with a proven petroleum system and a number of deep fan and shelf prospects established.
“Work is already under way with the joint venture partners to determine follow up activity which is targeted for 2015 onwards.”
10/07/2014
