FAR Ltd. reported that the Cairn-operated FAN-1 exploration well resumed drilling on the North Fan prospect in 1500m water depth, offshore Senegal on 28 July.
Drilling to date has reached 3000m with a planned TD of approximately 5300m using Transocean’s fifth-generation semisubmersible, Cajun Express.
The FAN-1 well will test a stacked fan structure with the potential to contain approximately 900MMbbl with approximately 135MMbbl net, according to FAR.
FAN-1 is the first exploration well in a two well program, offshore Senegal. FAN-1 and SNE1 will be the first deepwater wells drilled in Senegalese waters. The two exploration wells will test combined prospective resources of approximately 1.5 billion bbl of unrisked prospective resources with a net of 225MMbbl to FAR.
“These two wells offshore Senegal have the potential to radically alter the prevailing international view of the hydrocarbon potential of Senegal where no offshore wells have been drilled for more than 20 years,” said Cath Norman, FAR managing director.
The FAN-1 well is a pure exploration well and even if successful, will not be completed as a commercial production well, however the joint venture may decide to conduct further drilling and evaluation activities.
After FAN-1 drilling is complete, drilling will begin by the SNE-1 well.
SNE -1 has been drilled to a depth of approximately 1900m and will be drilled to a TD of approximately 3300m on the shelf targeting approximately 600MMbbl of oil, with approximately 75MMbbl net, according to FAR.
Cairn is the operator of the joint venture with 40% interest; ConocoPhillips holds a 35% interest with FAR (15%) and Petrosen (10%).
Photo of The Cajun Express 5th generation, semi-submersible drill rig currently drilling the FAN-1 well offshore Senegal (from FAR)
Read more:
Cairn's Senegal drilling delayed
Drilling begins off Senegal after 20-year hiatus
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