Cameroon Douala well to test multiple zones

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 20 – Bowleven PLC is preparing to drillstem test the Sapele-1 sidetrack off Cameroon in the Douala basin after the well cut 23 m of net hydrocarbon-bearing pay in the Omicron objectives.

The sidetrack went to 3,634 m true vertical depth, 4,483 m measured depth, in 25 m of water on the MLHP-5 block in the Etinde permit.

Its main objective was to appraise the Deep Omicron oil discovery encountered in the Sapele-1 wildcat 2 km northwest and to intersect the Upper and Lower Omicron objectives.

The sidetrack encountered 1.4 m of Upper Omicron net pay overlying 24 m of high- quality reservoir that sampled as water-bearing.

In the Lower Omicron, the sidetrack intersected a log-evaluated hydrocarbon interval that is interpreted to comprise fair quality, thinly interbedded reservoir units. Provisional net pay is estimated at 11 m with 17% average porosity. Fluid samples indicate the presence of light oil/gas-condensate.

In the Deep Omicron the sidetrack intersected a log-evaluated hydrocarbon interval that is interpreted to comprise high quality, thinly interbedded reservoir units. Although less well developed at this location and with a corresponding lower net to gross ratio than in Sapele-1, the provisional net pay is conservatively estimated at 10 m with 19% average porosity.

Initial interpretation also indicates that certain pay intervals identified in the original Sapele-1 well have been eroded at the Sapele-1ST location. It was not possible to recover, it is believed due to borehole conditions, reservoir fluid samples and pressure data from Deep Omicron. Consequently, pressure communication could not be confirmed from logging. The GC tracer however indicates the presence of a light, high GOR oil.

Bowleven said further evaluation, including appraisal drilling, is required to fully understand sand distribution in the Tertiary fairways but that results to date are promising.

The company will release the Noble Tommy Craighead jackup for mandatory recertification. The Vantage Sapphire Driller jackup is 15-20 days from reaching total depth at Sapele-2 and is available to drill as many as three more wells.