Melbana Energy spuds production well onshore Cuba

Melbana Energy Ltd. has spudded the Amistad-2 production well in Block 9 onshore Cuba.

The geological target is about 850 m southwest and 200 m up-dip to the well near the crestal-axis of a localized anticline, Melbana said in a release. The anticline is interpreted to have significant fracturing of the carbonate reservoir, the company continued.

Planned total measured depth at Amistad-2 is 1,125 m. The Unit 1A formation will be logged, but not tested en route. A 650-m MD section of the Unit 1B formation will be drilled to intersect a series of natural fracture systems interpreted from seismic, the comapny said.

Block 9 covers 2,344 sq km onshore on the north coast of Cuba, 140 km east of Havana, in a proven hydrocarbon system and along trend with Varadero oil field. The field has 15.7 billion bbl estimated oil in place and 676 million bbl prospective resources.

Melbana Energy is operator of the block with 30% interest. Sonangol holds the remaining 70%.