By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 22 -- Dana Petroleum PLC, Aberdeen, has reported the successful drilling and flow testing of Babbage gas field in the UK Southern Gas basin.
The Babbage appraisal well, on North Sea Block 48/2a, targeted a crestal area of the field with a view to proving gas reserves and productivity in order to proceed with development.
The well, drilled vertically to more than 11,000 ft TD, was spudded July 16 and found gas throughout a substantial Leman sandstone section. The well flow-tested at 10.7 MMcfd of gas without stimulation. The well will be suspended at the seabed and kept for use as a future gas producer.
Babbage, with as much as 390 bcf in place in Permian Rotliegend, could be tied back to Johnston 10 km north or Ravenspurn North 12 km northwest (OGJ Online, Sept. 28, 2005).
Dana holds a 40% interest in Block 48/2a. Partners are operator E.ON Ruhrgas UK North Sea 47% and Centrica Resources Ltd. 13%.
Dana called the well's results "highly encouraging" and the partnership has already secured a rig for further drilling. Dana said Babbage field is now thought to be one of the largest undeveloped gas fields in the UK North Sea.