Challenger Energy outlines work programs for Trinidad, Suriname

Challenger Energy Group PLC has outlined general work programs for 2022 in Trinidad and Suriname and plans for new drilling in 2023.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Challenger will increase activity to reach about 550-600 bo/d average production rate by end 2022. The company's work program for the balance of 2022 will include recompleting 10-15 existing wells to open different reservoir units, halting or reducing water production, and inhibiting sand influx. Recompletions are planned in Goudron, Inniss-Trinity, and Bonasse fields.

Additionally, Challenger intends to reactivate 10-12 wells not on production in Goudron and Inniss-Trinity fields. Recompletions and reactivations are expected to be completed by October 2022.

An extensive, continuous in-house swabbing program across all fields will address fluid level rises in the wellbores which have prevented wells from flowing. Swabbing is a low cost means of reducing or removing these fluids and allowing wells to produce again.

A single pattern water injection enhanced oil recovery (EOR) program at the Goudron field is planned to start in November 2022.

Essential equipment will be purchased, including a swabbing rig, vacuum tankers, and other production-related items, as well as upgrades and refurbishments to equipment and infrastructure across the portfolio. This investment is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase uptime, reduce individual-well downtime, and increase workover rigs’ productivity.

Challenger is evaluating up to nine potential new well opportunities across its Trinidadian asset in support of a drilling program for 2023 to achieve the company’s longer-term production goal of 1,000 bo/d.

In Suriname, Challenger has applied for an extension of the initial period for an extended well test in Weg Naar Zee field. This extension is due to delays arising from the pandemic and will help with a technical reassessment of the drilling strategy for that project and to consider applicability of horizontal drilling and steam injection EOR. Upon successful application, drilling would start in 2023.