CGX Energy Inc. discovered hydrocarbons in the Kawa-1 exploration well in the Corentyne block, offshore Guyana. The well lies in the northeast quadrant of the block, about 200 km offshore Georgetown. Water depth is about 355 m and the expected total depth of the well is 6,685 m (OGJ Online, Aug. 23, 2021).
To date, about 90% of the planned footage has been drilled and initial results suggest an active hydrocarbon system is present at Horizon 19, the first of three targeted geological zones. Logging-while-drilling and cuttings indicate the presence of hydrocarbons in several Campanian and upper Santonian formations. The 9 5/8-in. liner will be run at current depth, then the well will be drilled ahead to the main Santonian target zone (Horizon 23) and the deeper secondary Santonian target zone (Horizon 25). Initial geological results will be further evaluated by wireline logging at the end of the well as part of the logging program for the deeper zones.
Drilling has taken longer than originally forecast and costs are projected to increase to about $115-$125 million. The joint venture developing the block will provide an update on costs and issue full exploration results of the Kawa-1 well once total depth has been reached and results have been analyzed.
Drilling operations have recorded only a single lost-time injury since August and COVID-19 protocols have resulted in no disruptions to operations and no positive cases detected after arrival on the drilling unit.
Frontera Energy Corp. is CGX's joint venture partner in the 1.125-million net acre block.
