Philippines: Palawan data analysis continuing

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 1 – A group led by operator Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. continues to pursue hydrocarbons off Palawan Island in the Philippines.

Preliminary interpretation of wireline log data suggests that the Gindara-1 exploratory well on SC 54B discovered 144 m of gas and 43 m of possible oil, said 22% interest owner Kairiki Energy Ltd., Perth. However, due to the hydrocarbon column being contained in poor quality reservoir, the discovery is considered noncommercial.

Reassessment of depth mapping will focus on the hydrocarbon column encountered, closure height of the structure, and whether the Gindara structure could be filled to spill with hydrocarbons.

Seismic reprocessing of some 2D seismic lines in the southern part of SC54B has provided some preliminary evidence for the possible existence of the southern extension of the Malampaya Trough adjacent to the 53 sq km Pawikan lead. This could have implications for the prospectivity of the southern part of SC 54B as the Malampaya Trough is considered to have generated the hydrocarbons encountered in Gindara-1 about 30 km north of Pawikan.

A review of Gindara-1 well results in addition to area studies focusing on the prospectivity on the southern portion of the block is ongoing.

Meanwhile, assessment of the results of seismic reprocessing of the area covering the Nido 1X1 oil discovery on SC 54A has confirmed the robustness of the oil bearing Nido Limestone pinnacle reef, Kairiki Energy said. Work is under way to determine the potential oil volumes in the structure and commercialization scenarios.

A substantial portfolio of potentially economic prospects and discoveries has been reaffirmed, with the highest-graded opportunities identified to be the Nido-1X1 discovery, near the Nido A production platform on adjacent block SC 14A, and the Lawaan exploration prospect.

Kairiki seeks to reduce its 30.1% interest in the block in return for a funded drilling program and has been in discussions with several parties.