By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 13 -- Paladin Expro Ltd., a unit of London-based Paladin Resources PLC and license holder of Montrose field in the North Sea since May 2003, has proved up a significant northwest extension of the field with its recently completed 22/17-2 well.
The well encountered a complete Forties Sandstone interval 400 ft thick, Paladin reported. "The top of the reservoir section was 23 ft high to prognosis at 8,254 ft subsea, and reservoir quality was as anticipated, with a net:gross ratio of 80% and average porosity of 21%.
"Preliminary well data indicates good pressure communication with the nearest well 1.8 km to the south, and that the oil-water contact at the well location is at the deepest level previously observed in the field," the company added.
Paladin now will integrate the well results into its existing reservoir engineering models to quantify the well's impact on the field's reserves and determine the optimum plan for developing the extension.
The 22/17-2 well has been plugged and abandoned, and the GSF 140 semisubmersible that drilled it is preparing to drill the Brechin exploration prospect in Block 22/23, about 3.5 km to the east of Arkwright field.
Paladin acquired its majority shareholding in Montrose, Arbroath, and Arkwright fields from BP PLC and Amerada Hess Corp. It has contracted Aberdeen-based Petrofac Production Services to operate Montrose and Arbroath fields (OGJ Online, Dec. 17, 2002).
Pladin, which is redeveloping Montrose field, also signed a letter of intent with Prosafe Drilling Services UK Ltd., Aberdeen, to install a modular drilling rig on the platform and will begin a multiwell infill and stepout drilling program by yearend.
Energy North Sea Ltd. is Paladin's 41.03% minority interest joint-venture partner.