The Tullow Oil PLC-operated Erut-1 well on Block 13T in northern Kenya has discovered a gross oil interval of 55 m with 25 m of net oil pay at a depth of 700 m. The overall oil column for the field is considered to be 100-125 m.
The objective of the well was to test a structural trap at the northern limit of the South Lokichar basin. The Erut-1 well was drilled 10 km north of the Etom-2 well and shares primary characteristics. Fluid samples taken and wireline logging all indicate the presence of recoverable oil.
Tullow says Erut-1 successfully shows that oil has migrated to the northern limit of the South Lokichar basin and has derisked multiple prospects in the area, which will now be considered in the partnership’s future exploration and appraisal drilling program.
“This extends the known hydrocarbon limits of the basin beyond the successful Etom discovery into the underexplored northern part of the basin where we have several undrilled prospects,” explained Angus McCoss, Tullow exploration director. The Etom-2 well encountered 102 m of net oil pay in two columns during late 2015 (OGJ Online, Dec. 15, 2015).
The PR Marriott Rig-46 drilled the Erut-1 well to a final depth of 1,317 m and will now move to the southern part of Block 10BB where it will spud the Amosing-6 appraisal well. “Following the scheduled appraisal wells at Amosing-6 and Ngamia-10, further exploration drilling of this area is now being planned,” McCoss said.
Tullow operates Blocks 13T and 10BB with 50% interest. Partners are Africa Oil Corp. and Maersk Oil each with 25%.
