Noble Energy has recorded oil and gas shows in the 53/02-01 Humpback exploration well, according to partner Falklands Oil and Gas (FOGL).
The 53/02-01 well was drilled to 4718m with the oil and gas shows in the main target horizon and intermediate wireline logs indicating the possibility of hydrocarbon bearing sandstones between 4642-4704m.
The well is now being deepened to evaluate additional targets, says FOGL.
However, FOGL says progress on the well has been slower than anticipated because a side-track was required at 4360m for mechanical reasons.
Once the well has reached total depth a further set of wireline logs will be run. Subject to operational constraints, this will include a formation test tool which may be able to establish a pressure gradient within the sands and also recover a sample of formation fluid to surface for definitive analysis.
A further announcement will be made once total depth has been reached and this is expected to be by the end of October 2015, added FOGL.