Buffalo appraisal drilling to date below expectations

Jan. 19, 2022
Carnarvon Energy says results so far from the Buffalo-10 appraisal well offshore Timor-Leste have been inconclusive.

Offshore staff

WEST PERTH, Australia – Carnarvon Energy says results so far from the Buffalo-10 appraisal well offshore Timor-Leste have been inconclusive.

Drilling has reached TD of around 3,415 m (11,204 ft) MD in the 8 ½-in. hole section. LWD analysis indicates the presence of hydrocarbons as anticipated in the Elang formation, with the top Elang reservoir penetrated at a depth of around 3,338 m (10,951 ft) MD.

This was around 80 m (262 ft) low to prognosis and outside pre-drill expectations. Analysis of LWD and drilling information suggests the well interested a 12-m (39-ft) gross oil column.

However, the seismic processing techniques employed for this project have not resolved the underlying seismic velocity distortion or imaging resolution issues that are present in the Buffalo field, which was previously developed by BHP.

The jackup Valaris JU-107 is drilling Buffalo-10 in the TL-SO-T 19-14 PSC, in which Carnarvon has a 50% operated interest.

01/19/2022