VAALCO progressing Etame drilling, facilities overhaul offshore Gabon

Offshore staff

HOUSTON — VAALCO Energy has drilled and completed a further well from the Avouma platform at the Etame Field offshore Gabon.

The South Tchibala 1HB-ST was completed after the contractor performed a frac pack on the Dentale D1 sand, the first operation of this type at Etame. A second sand identified during drilling, the Dentale D9, was not appraised but did exhibit hydrocarbon potential.

Over the next few weeks, the well will be brought onstream slowly to facilitate clean-up, with a long-term stabilized flow rate established within the next few days. The variable flow rates during the initial period should ensure that long-term formation and completion damage risk is minimized.

The additional Dentale D9 (15 m net hydrocarbons) interval can be tested and completed in the future; estimated oil in place is in the range 4 MMbbl to 15 MMbbl.

The rig is mobilizing to the SEENT platform to drill the final planned well in the 2021-2022 program, ETBNM 2H-STl, targeting the Dentale Formation.

VAALCO plans to exercise its options to extend its contract for the rig with Borr West Africa Assets, adding two further wells to take advantage of higher oil prices and reduced spread costs in the current contracts

One of the planned wells, Ebouri 6H (for development purposes), will target the Gamba Formation. Northeast Avouma is a planned near-field exploration well also targeting the Gamba; if successful, it would be tied into the Avouma platform at a later date.

Vaalco added that replacement of the existing FPSO at Etame with a reconfigured FSO Teli (the ex-tanker Cap Diamant) is on track, with the vessel expected to depart July 7 following completion of sea trials.

It should reach Gabon at the beginning of August, with all major equipment on board. The mooring equipment, also in transit, should arrive around the same time.

Modifications to the Etame platform to support the revised production scheme are on track. VAALCO recently completed the first of various short facility outages to allow for flare system upgrades and installation of tie-in points for the process equipment.

All main deck components have arrived in Gabon with further components on the way. Installation will continue over the next eight weeks, with final hookup and commissioning set to take place following mooring of the Teli.

Preparations have started for the subsea reconfiguration, with the initial part of the Bourbon/RANA dive program due to start in mid-July. The DOF Skandi Constructor has completed integration of the lay equipment in Peterhead, Scotland, and has transferred south to Newcastle, England, where it has completed loading of the flexible pipe and ancillary equipment.

It should arrive in Gabon in late July to begin the reconfiguration of the existing lines and installation of the new lines.

07.07.2022