Eni SPA encountered gas and condensates in the Metlaoui formation of Eocene age while drilling the B1-16/4 well in the Bahr Essalam South exploration prospect of Contract Area D offshore Libya.
During the production test, which was constrained by surface facilities, the well produced 29 MMscfd and 600 b/d of condensate on a 64/64-in. choke.
Once producing, the well is expected to deliver more than 50 MMscfd and 1,000 b/d of condensate.
The well, drilled in 150 m of water, lies 22 km from Bahr Essalam field and 82 km offshore. Eni says the discovery’s close proximity to Bahr Essalam infrastructures will enable quick development.
The company is currently running three drilling rigs offshore Libya in its exploration and initial delineation of Contract Area D’s discoveries.
Eni in 2004 started production from Area D at Wafa and Bahr Essalam fields, both of which supply gas for domestic markets and Italy by way of the Greenstream sealine (OGJ Online, Oct. 26, 2004). The fields also yield high percentages of associated liquids.
The company’s presence in Libya, where it currently produces 350,000 boe/d, dates back to 1959.
Eni subsidiary Eni North Africa BV is operator of Contract Area D with 100% working interest in the exploration phase.
