By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 16 -- A group led by Vaalco Energy Inc., Houston, is sidetracking the ETSEM-1 discovery well off Gabon to determine commerciality after the initial wellbore logged oil and said a further sidetrack may be needed.
The Southeast Etame-1 (ETSEM-1) well went to 9,045 ft total depth and cut 16 ft of Gamba sandstone that logged oil full to base. It is in the Etame Development Area 3 miles southeast of Etame field.
The sidetrack under way will seek the oil-water contact, and another sidetrack may be needed to further delineate the prospect, Vaalco said. If Southeast Etame proves commercial, it is expected it can be tied back to the company’s existing floating production, storage, and offloading vessel.
ETSEM-1 also found oil shows in deeper Dentale sand reservoirs, but the sands are judged primarily water-bearing at this location. Logging is under way to further evaluate the Dentale sands.
Vaalco will next move the rig to drill a horizontal development in Etame field. A Vaalco subsidiary operates the Etame Marin permit with 28.07% net interest in Etame field. Other permit participants are Addax Petroleum Etame Inc. 31.36%, Sasol Petroleum Etame Ltd. 27.75%, Sojitz Etame Ltd. 2.98%, PetroEnergy Resources Corp. 2.34%, and Tullow Oil Gabon SA 7.5%.
US Department of the Interior.
File photo from PDVSA..
