Vanco Group spuds first deepwater exploration well off Morocco

May 11, 2004
Houston-based Vanco Energy Co., operator of the Ras Tafelney exploration permit off Morocco, on May 4 spudded the country's first deepwater exploration well, the Shark B-1 well about 130 km off Morocco.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, May 11 -- Houston-based Vanco Energy Co., operator of the Ras Tafelney exploration permit off Morocco, on May 4 spudded the country's first deepwater exploration well.

The Saipem 10,000 drillship spudded the Shark B-1 well about 130 km off Morocco in 2,120 m of water. The main objective is the Top Cretaceous and Albian reservoirs, while a Lower Tertiary turbidite play at shallower depths is a secondary target. Planned TD is 4,162 m.

Vanco formed the Vanco Group consortium earlier this year to explore and develop the acreage. Members include Vanco Morocco Ltd. 33.75%, ENI Morocco BV 30%, CNOOC Morocco Ltd. 11.25%, and Morocco's national oil company ONAREP 25%.