Tullow Oil PLC’s Emekuya-1 well, drilled on Block 13T of northern Kenya, has encountered 75 m of net oil pay in two zones.
Emekuya-1 was drilled 2½ km north of the Etom-2 well and had the objective of drilling a fault block on the flank of the Greater Etom structure. The well was drilled by PR Marriott Drilling Ltd.’s Rig 46 to a total measured depth of 1,356 m and penetrated reservoir quality Miocene sandstone that correlate to those seen in the Etom-2 well (OGJ Online, Dec. 15, 2015).
Downhole pressure measurements and fluid samples suggest the main oil reservoir is on the same static pressure gradient as the Etom-2 well, which demonstrates that a major part of the Greater Etom structure is oil-filled. Tullow says the encountered reservoir sands also appear to be extensive, further derisking the northern play area and boding well for future exploration in the region.
“The Emekuya-1 exploratory appraisal well has made an important discovery in the northern part of the South Lokichar basin,” explained Angus McCoss, Tullow exploration director. “This well has proven oil charge across a significant part of the Greater Etom structure and we are very encouraged by the quality and particularly the regional extent of the reservoir. We now look forward to the remainder of the Kenya exploration and appraisal campaign in support of the ongoing work to prepare this important asset for full-field development.”
The rig will be moved to drill an updip appraisal well on the Greater Etom structure. Tullow operates Blocks 13T and 10BB with 50% interest. Partners are Africa Oil Corp. and Maersk Oil each with 25% interest.
