By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 11 -- BP PLC and partners reported an oil discovery in the Astraea-1 well on Block 31 off Angola, the company's eighth discovery on the block.
Astraea-1 was drilled to 12,598 ft TD in 4,908 ft of water 103 miles offshore. On test, the well flowed at a maximum rate of 6,513 b/d through a 40/64 in. choke.
The latest discovery, along with three previous discoveries (Ceres, Palas, and Juno) in the southeastern part of Block 31, reinforce the likelihood of a second development area on the block, said Marathon Oil Corp., a partner.
The Astraea-1 is 36 miles southeast of the planned Northeast Development Area, comprising the Plutao, Saturno, Marte, and Venus discoveries. BP, operator of the block, is studying development concepts in southeastern Block 31.
BP has a 26.67% interest, Esso Exploration & Production Angola (Block 31) 25%, state-owned Sonangol EP 20%, Statoil Angola AS 13.33%, Marathon International Petroleum Angola Block 31 Ltd. 10%, and TEPA (Block 31) Ltd. 5%.
