By an OGJ correspondent
BANGKOK, Sept. 27 -- SOCO International PLC has made an oil and gas discovery on the first exploration well drilled on Block 9-2 in the Cuu Long basin off Vung Tau City south of Viet Nam.
The 09-2-CNV-1X well, drilled to 4,567 m TD, flowed 2,500 b/d of crude oil and 6.6 MMcfd of natural gas during preliminary tests through a ¾-in. choke.
The well was tested in a basement granite formation at 3,696-4,567 m.
The natural flow test was conducted over a 36hr period without any stimulation. In addition, oil shows were found in upper sandstone—above the basement granite—at which the final test is being conducted.
SOCO International and its two joint venture partners, state oil company Petrovietnam and PTT Exploration & Production PCL (PTTEP), intend to drill a second well on Block 9-2 towards yearend. Block 9-2 covers an area of 1,370 sq km.
The partners plan a total of 4 wells on Blocks 9-2 and 16-1. SOCO International owns 80% of SOCO Vietnam Ltd., which farmed out a portion of the 2 blocks to PTT earlier this year (OGJ Online, Feb. 14, 2002). PTTEP, an affiliate of partially privatized Thai company PTT PLC (formerly Petroleum Authority of Thailand), is funding its own and SOCO International's share of the drilling—up to $50 million.
