Eni SPA has completed drilling its first appraisal well of the Zohr discovery on the Shorouk block offshore Egypt (OGJ Online, Sep. 7, 2015). The Zohr 2X well was drilled to 13,684 ft, encountering 1,614 ft of continuous hydrocarbon column in a carbonate sequence with 305 m of net pay. The well is 1.5 km southeast of Zohr 1X and down-dip of the initial discovery in 4,800 ft of water.
The formation evaluation program has confirmed the same gas-water contact and connection with the initial Zohr discovery well, forming a “continuous mega tank of natural gas,” the company said.
The Zohr prospect if fully comprised within Egypt’s exclusive economic zone on the Shorouk block. Eni is arranging a production test for the latest well, and the company is laying plans for three additional appraisal wells to fully delineate the giant field. Potential for Zohr discovery is estimated at 30 tcf of lean gas in place (5.5 billion boe).
Additionally, Eni drilled the Nidoco North 1X well in Abu Madi West license to evaluate the Nooros East prospect in Egypt’s Nile Delta. The well was drilled onshore as a deviated well to the Nooros East field offshore. The well encountered 43 m of net gas and condensate bearing sandstone layers of Messinian age.
The company began producing from the Nooros area in September 2015 and expects to ramp up the latest near-field discovery by the end of March (OGJ Online, Oct. 29, 2015).
Eni holds a 100% share in the Zohr prospect, through its subsidiary IEOC Production BV. The company holds a 75% stake in the Abu Madi West concession with partner BP PLC holding 25%.
