Zaedyus-2 disappoints

Stena DrillMax

No commercial find at Tullow’s Zaedyus-2 well

Drilling at Tullow's Zaedyus-2 appraisal well has been completed offshore French Guiana, the company announced on 4 December 2012.

The well, drilled 5km up-dip from the Zaedyus-1 discovery by the Stena DrillMax, failed to find commercial hydrocarbons despite encountering 85m of reservoir quality sands with oil shows. Zaedyus-2 was drilled in water depths of 1,894 m to a total depth of 6,200m. Logging operations are still underway.

Tullow said the Zaedyus-2 results have no bearing on the undrilled prospectivity near the Zaedyus discovery because it is located up-dip and disconnected.

"While the Zaedyus-2 well has not proved an up-dip extension of the Zaedyus discovery towards the apex of the fan, the well has provided very valuable data for the exploration and appraisal strategy of the Cingulata fan system going forward," said Angus McCoss, Tullow's Exploration Director. "The French Guiana block remains highly prospective, particularly down-dip and still offer excellent potential for multiple exploration successes. These early lessons learned by the joint venture are being incorporated into our ongoing well campaign."

Tullow holds 27.5% stake in the Guyane Maritime license, which includes the Zaedyus discovery. Its partners include Shell (operator, 45%), Total (25%), and Northpet (2.5%).