Novus makes discovery off Oman; reservoir larger than originally mapped

Jan. 2, 2003
The Tibat-1 well off Oman, operated by Novus Petroleum Ltd., Sydney, was drilled to 3,097 m TD—250 m deeper than originally projected due to a considerably larger reservoir section.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Jan. 2 -- The Tibat-1 well off Oman, operated by Novus Petroleum Ltd., Sydney, was drilled to 3,097 m TD—250 m deeper than originally projected due to a considerably larger reservoir section, and it has been successfully logged, reported partner Heritage Oil Corp., Calgary. The well is on Block 8 in the Persian Gulf off the Musandam Peninsula 12 km south of the Bukha field platform.The well, which was drilled in 50 m of water, was targeting two Cretaceous reservoirs, Mauddud and Thamama, which are in a fault-bounded structure originally thought be at 2,550 m and 2,710 m, respectively. These are the same producing zones as in Bukha field, which produces gas with high condensate yields (OGJ Online, Oct. 11, 2002).

Good shows were encountered while drilling the Thamama target reservoir, Heritage said, and the reservoir potential has been subsequently supported by the logging data, so the joint venture currently is preparing to carry out a testing program of the reservoir section.

"We appear to have encountered a reservoir section that is twice, possibly three times larger than originally mapped—some 350-400 m in total," said Michael Wood, Heritage president and CEO. "However, until the test program has confirmed the productivity of these reservoirs, no decisions about the commerciality of Tibat can be taken," he said. "Productivity from these cretaceous carbonate reservoirs is difficult to predict, and although we have considerable production knowledge and experience from our interest in the adjoining Bukha gas-condensate field, a successful well test is essential before a field development decision can be taken."

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Eagle Energy (Oman) Ltd., Heritage holds a 10% working interest in both Block 8 (on which Bukha field lies) and in the adjoining Block 17 licenses. Other partners in the Tibat-1 well are operator Novus 40%, LG International Corp. 25%, and Atlantis Holding Norway 25%.