BP Exploration Operating Co. and partner Den norske stats oljeselskap AS have disclosed a third significant gas discovery in the Nam Con Son basin off Viet Nam.
The combine's 1X Hai Thach wildcat, drilled on Block 5.2 in 140 m of water, found substantial gas pay below 2,900 m. BP said initial tests proved high quality gas in reservoirs capable of high-but undisclosed-flow rates.
BP Exploration Chief Executive Rodney Chase called the results of the Hai Thach (Aquamarine) discovery well "very encouraging." One source said the company is believed to have tentatively pegged Hai Thach reserves at 1 tcf of gas. It's part of an industry effort that has turned up at least a dozen significant discoveries off Viet Nam (OGJ, July 17, p. 17).
A BP official said the partners will return to the well with specialized test equipment to help evaluate reserves. Testing is expected later this year, and drilling of an appraisal well is likely in 1996.
BP disclosed July 18 the Hai Thach well was being suspended at 4,160 m total depth, pending reentry for a full test in high temperature, high pressure rock.
The Hai Thach (Aquamarine) discovery lies 50 km north of BP-Statoil's Lan Tay and Lan Do gas discoveries in Block 6.1, estimated to hold reserves amounting to 2 tcf of gas.
BP owns a two thirds interest in the Block 5.2 license, and Statoil holds one third. State owned Petrovietnam has an option to acquire as much as 17.5%.
Although Viet Nam has little demand for gas, BP and Statoil are studying development of Lan Tay and Lan Do. The study includes plans for a pipeline to move gas from the Nam Con Son basin area to shore, with start-up scheduled in 1998.
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