Eni has inked the Saipem 12000 drillship for drilling the RD-1 well in the Rabat Deep Offshore license, offshore Morocco.
Partner Chariot Oil & Gas says the RD-1 well will target the JP-1 prospect using the with drilling due to start in the latter part of Q1 2018.
Chariot says the JP-1 prospect is a large, four-way dip closed structure over about 200sq km, with Jurassic carbonate primary reservoir objectives and an independently audited gross mean prospective resource estimate of 768 MMbbl.
Chariot CEO Larry Bottomley said: "JP-1 has the potential to create transformational value in the success case due to the large scale prospective resources, excellent commercial contract terms and robust economics. Success will also materially de-risk other targets we have identified within our neighbouring Mohammedia and Kenitra permits in which Chariot holds a 75% interest."
Eni is operator of the Rabat Deep Offshore license, with 40% interest, with partners Woodside (25%), ONHYM (25%), and Chariot (10%).
Eni partnered with Chariot in return for a capped carry on the drilling of the JP-1 prospect as well as a carry on other geological and administrative costs relating to Rabat Deep Offshore and a recovery of Chariot's investment prior to farm-out.