Eni eyes fast track of oil discovery offshore Ivory Coast
Eni SpA will begin studies for fast-track development of a “major” oil discovery in Block CI-101 offshore Ivory Coast and plans an evaluation programme to assess upside potential in the area.
After more than 20 years of industry exploration in the country’s deep waters without a commercial discovery, the Baleine-1x successfully tested a new play concept in the sedimentary basin in Ivory Coast, the company said in a release on the 1st September.
The exploration well, the first by Eni in the country, was drilled with the Saipem 10,000 drill ship about 60 km off the coast in 1,200 metres of water, positioned based on 3D seismic data and regional studies. The well reached total depth of 3,445 metres in 30 days.
Wireline formation testing and fluid sampling proved the presence of light oil-bearing intervals (40° API) of Santonian and Cenomanian-Albian age. The lower Cenomanian-Albian level shows discrete to good reservoir characteristics and has been successfully tested to production, the company said.
The aim of the pending evaluation programme is to assess upside of the overall structure which extends into the Eni-operated Block CI-802.
Baleine’s potential is estimated at 1.5-2.0 billion bbl oil in place and 1.8-2.4 tcf of associated gas.
Eni is operator of Block CI-101 (90%) with partner Petroci Holding (10%). Eni also holds a participating interest in other four blocks in the Ivorian deep water: CI-205, CI-501, CI-504, and CI-802, all with partner Petroci Holding.
Source: Oil & Gas Journal