Statoil announced that the Dilolo-1 exploration well in the Kwanza basin offshore Angola was drilled to its pre-salt target, but failed to find any hydrocarbons.
The well is now in the process of being plugged and abandoned. Statoil says that further studies are needed to fully understand the well results.
Dilolo-1, the first high-impact prospect to be drilled in block 39 did however provide a valuable calibration for other prospects in the area.
Statoil says the Stena Carron drillship, which drilled the well, will soon be moved to Block 38 to spud exploration well Jacare-1.
The Angolan pre-salt is a frontier play where Statoil is participating in eight commitment wells spread across five blocks.
In April, Statoil entered into agreements to farm down a 15% interest to WRG Angola Block 39 in block 39.
Statoil is the operator of block 39 and holds a 37.5% interest with partners Sonangol P&P (30%), WRG (15%), Ecopetrol (10%) and Total (7.5%).
Statoil is also participating in two more wells in the Kwanza basin: Total-operated Puma in block 25 and Repsol-operated Locosso in block 22.
Image of Stena Carrona from Stena Drilling
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