Apache Corp. and partner Total SE encountered at least 278 m of net oil and volatile oil-gas condensate pay in two intervals in Block 58 offshore Suriname and are preparing a fourth prospect on the block.
Kwaskwasi-1, operated by Apache as part of a 50-50 joint venture with Total and drilled by the Noble Sam Croft to a depth of 6,645 m, successfully tested for the presence of hydrocarbons in multiple stacked targets in the upper Cretaceous-aged Campanian and Santonian intervals (OGJ Online, Dec. 23, 2019).
The discovery is the third consecutive discovery on the block following the Sapakara West in April, and the Maka Central in January (OGJ Online, Apr. 2, 2020; Jan. 7, 2020).
The shallower Campanian interval contains 63 m of net oil pay and 86 m of net volatile oil-gas condensate pay. Based on samples taken, the API oil gravities are 34-43 degrees. The deeper Santonian interval contains 129 m of net hydrocarbon reservoir. Data collecting on API oil gravities in the Santonian are ongoing.
John Christmann, chief executive officer of Apache, in a July 29 release, called the well the best it has drilled in the basin to date, with the highest net pay in the best quality reservoirs. “While we have a lot more work to do, a discovery of this quality and magnitude merits a pace of evaluation that enables the option of accelerated first production.”
The 1.4-million acre block offers potential beyond recent discoveries, Apache said, noting at least seven distinct play types and more than 50 prospects within the thermally mature play fairway have been identified.
Upon completion of operations at Kwaskwasi-1, the Sam Croft will move to the fourth prospect—Keskesi—which lies 14 km southeast of Sapakara West-1. It will test oil-prone upper Cretaceous targets in the Campanian and Santonian. After drilling of the fourth well, Total will take over as block operator, it said July 30.
In early 2021, an appraisal campaign will be carried out to better characterize the 2020 discoveries, along with an additional exploration campaign.
