Sterling Resources Ltd., Calgary, said results of its F17-09 appraisal well in Netherlands North Sea Block F17a will assist the company in understanding how to optimally develop the discovery as part of a greater F-Quad project.
Provisional analysis indicates the well, after reaching 2,200 m measured depth, encountered a 10- m gross oil interval (6 m net) through interbedded sands with porosities averaging 24% in the Jurassic Schieland formation.
Results suggest an oil-water contact at 2,000 m subsea, higher than anticipated but similar to that observed in previous wells in neighboring compartments, and indicates communication with the previously drilled F17-3 well, with an updip potential resultant oil column of up to 120 m.
No tests will be performed, but wells drilled in the early 1980s in neighboring compartments tested oil at rates of up to 4,800 b/d with gravities in excess of 30°. F17-09 is being plugged and abandoned.
The well results have been useful in identifying the oil-water contact and in providing a better understanding of the trapping mechanism, Sterling said. The greater F-Quad development also includes the F17-4 and F18 discoveries and related exploratory prospects. A number of development options are being worked on, along with the review of potential further appraisal drilling.
F17 is one of five licenses acquired by Sterling in November 2010. The partnership is composed of Sterling Resources Netherlands BV, operator with 25% working interest, EBN 40%, Grove Energy Netherlands (Enquest) 10%, and Petro Ventures Netherlands BV 25% subject to final government approval. The F18, F16, L01b, and F14 licenses have the same ownership.
