Uchenna Izundu
OGJ International Editor
LONDON, Aug. 24 -- A Soco International PLC-led consortium has started drilling the Liyeke Marine-1 exploration well on Block Marine XI off Congo (Brazzaville).
The well, which is being drilled by Pride International Inc.’s Pride Cabinda independent-leg cantilever jack up rig, is expected to reach a TD of 1,130 m in the Congo basin. Drilling is expected to take 25-35 days, said Lundin Petroleum, a partner in the acreage.
The well is targeting a postsalt Sendji formation reservoir and the company estimates gross unrisked prospective resources of 73 MMboe. This is the first of a two-well drilling program; a second well will appraise the existing presalt Viodo oil field, which lies 1 km from the field’s discovery well.
Viodo is thought to hold 30-60 million bbl of recoverable resources. Previous exploration has found three other undeveloped oil discoveries near existing infrastructure. The 1,400-sq-km block lies in 110 m of water.
SOCO International operates the license with 37.5% interest. Lundin Petroleum holds 18.75% interest. Other partners include state oil firm SNPC 10%, Africa Oil & Gas Corp. 10%, and Raffia Oil SARL 18.75%
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
