ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiary Esso Exploration Angola (block 15) Ltd. and Sociedade Nacional de Combustiveis de Angola (Sonangol) have made the 17th deepwater oil discovery on Angola block 15.
The company drilled Bavuca-1 in 3,589 ft of water to 10,613 ft TD. The discovery well tested at a flowrate of 2,726 b/d with an API gravity of 17-18°.
Esso and Sonangol have previously announced 16 block 15 discoveries, with Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba, and Dikanza in 1998; Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999; Mondo, Saxi, and Batuque in 2000; Mbulumbumba, Vicango, and Mavacola in 2001; Reco Reco in 2002; and Clochas, Kakocha, and Tchihumba in 2003.
Located 215 mi northwest of Luanda, block 15 has potential to recover 4.5 Bboe.
Esso operates block 16 with 40%, BP Exploration (Angola) Ltd. 26.7%, ENI Angola Exploration BV 20%, and Statoil Angola 13.3%. Sonangol is the concessionaire.
(03/03/04)
