Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway – The jackup Borr Norve has started drilling the BW Energy-operated Hibiscus Extension well (DHIBM-2) in the Dussafu Marin permit offshore Gabon.
This is the first of three wells planned on the permit in 2021, according to partner Panoro Energy.
DHIBM-2 is 56 km (35 mi) offshore in 119 m (390 ft) water depth. The vertical well will test structure, oil and reservoir presence in a potential northerly extension of the Gamba reservoir in the nearby Hibiscus field.
The Hibiscus discovery well (DHIBM-1) and appraisal side track, drilled in 2019, proved recoverable reserves of 46.1 MMbbl.
Panoro expects the current well to take around 30 days to drill and log to a TD of 3,500 m (11,483 ft). If successful, one or two appraisal side tracks may follow to further delineate the field.
As things stand the plan for the Hibiscus/Ruche development involves a converted jackup tied back to the FPSO. Twelve wells would be drilled in two phases, with first oil anticipated in early 2023.
However, if the present well finds additional reserves at Hibiscus, this would require more development wells and potentially a converted jackup to fully develop the area’s potential.
On completion of DHIBM-2, the Borr Norve will drill a horizontal production well, DTM-7H, at the Tortue field, completing the Phase 2 development of Tortue.
The partners have also secured a well slot with Borr to drill the 10-40 MMbbl Hibiscus North prospect, 6 km (3.7 mi) north-northeast of DHIBM-1. If proven, this too could be tied into the Hibiscus/Ruche development project.
Drilling will start following hookup of DTM-7H.
04/19/2021
