Vantage Drilling International’s jackup Topaz Driller should take around four weeks to complete the well. It will then spud the Etame 9H development well targeting the Gamba reservoir.
Etame 9P will test the Dentale reservoirs beneath the Etame field, which Vaalco believes could hold up to 4.6 MMbbl of recoverable oil present. If that diagnosis proves to be correct, the company will look to drill further wells in these reservoirs.
Earlier this month the electric submersible pump in the Etame 10H well failed after operating for 4.5 years, having recently produced 200 b/d net to Vaalco.
The company is assessing replacement options, including using the Topaz Driller to conduct a workover.
