Total Exploration & Production says its Saphir-1XB exploratory well discovered oil in deepwater off Ivory Coast.
The well, drilled in 2,300 m of water, is the first on Block CI-514. Drilled to 4,655 m, it encountered 40 m of net pay containing 34° API oil.
The company said it will evaluate the discovery and focus on its extension to the north and east.
Total E&P Cote d’Ivoire operates Block CI-514 with a 54% interest. CNR International has 36%, and Petroci Holding 10%. Canadian Natural Resources called it “an important discovery.”
Total has interests in three other offshore exploration licenses in Ivory Coast: CI-100, CI-515 and CI-516. It plans to drill exploratory wells in Blocks CI-515 and CI-516 by yearend.
The group is continuing to analyze an oil discovery made on Block CI-100 in 2013 (OGJ Online, Apr. 25, 2013).
Also offshore Ivory Coast, CNR International expects to begin a 10-well development drilling program in Espoir field in this year’s second half, and a 6-well phase of development at Baobab field late this year or early in 2015.
