Offshore staff
HOUSTON– The semisubmersible Ensco 8503 has spudded the Zama-2 appraisal well in block 7 offshore Mexico, according to operator Talos Energy Inc.
The spudding of the Zama-2 well marks the start of the Zama discovery appraisal program, which will consist of three reservoir penetrations, including two wells and one side track.
The first well,Zama-2, will be drilled to the north of the Zama discovery well and will look to confirm the oil water contact and collect information to better understand the reservoir's aquifer support.
The Zama-2 well will also be deepened about 500 m (1,640 ft) below the Zama reservoir to test the Marte exploration prospect. This will then be followed by an up-dip vertical side track from the main bore hole, which will be cored and a drillstem test will be performed, which is expected in 2Q 2019.
The second appraisal well, Zama-3, will be drilled to the south of the original discovery well and will help delineate reservoir continuity and quality in the southern part of the field and will be cored to be better understand the reservoir geology.
The appraisal program is expected to be completed by mid-year 2019. TheEnsco 8503 rig is contracted and will be used for the entirety of the appraisal program.
Talos said it is also working with several local Mexican suppliers who support the operations with many services, including shore base support, casing supply, anchor handling, helicopters, and communications. Additionally, engineering professionals from McDermott’s Mexico City office are assisting in the pre-FEED analysis of the potential development options post-appraisal.
Overall, Talos and its partners plan to spend about $250 million, excluding contingencies, in Mexico during this appraisal program while exceeding the National Content requirements of the contract through the exploration and appraisal phase.
Talos is the operator of block 7 offshore Mexico, which includes Zama, with a 35% participating interest. Its partners in block 7 are Premier Oil (25% participating interest) and Sierra Oil & Gas (40% participating interest).
Talos Energy President and CEO Timothy S. Duncan said: “…The timing of the commencement of the appraisal program will allow us to stay on track of our goal, which is to achieve initial production from the Zama discovery in 2022.”
12/03/2018
