Petroceltic International in its operational update announced that the AT-10 development well on the Ain Tsila gas and condensate field in Algeria confirmed pre-drill predictions.

According to the company, the AT-10 development well reached a total depth of 2005m MD on 31 March 2016 and showed a predicted early off-take rate similar to the AT-1 and AT-8 wells, which delivered flow rates of more than 30 Mmscf/d on test.

The development well AT-10, which is the first well of the Ain Tsila development drilling campaign, is situated in the north of the field about 3.4 km from the AT-1 field discovery well, and 2.0 km from the appraisal well AT-8. AT-10 is the first of about 24 new development wells on Ain Tsila estimated to create and maintain the just approved yearly average wet gas plateau rate of 355 Mmscfpd.

The company said the Sinopec Rig used is currently en route to the AT-13 development well, situated in the north of the field about 1.8 km from the appraisal well AT-8, and 6.1 km from the appraisal well AT-1.

Petroceltic has a 38.25 per cent interest, with Sonatrach holding 43.375 per cent and Enel an 18.375 per cent.

« We are delighted that AT-10 result confirms the success of earlier wells in the highly productive northern part of the field. The Sinopec Rig performed above expectations on its first well and we have a number of improvement initiatives planned to reduce future well costs, mitigate development risks on Ain Tsila and maintain momentum towards first gas. We anticipate further operational updates and enhancements to the development plan in the near future,» Brian O'Cathain, CEO of Petroceltic told Energy-pedia.

Anita Fatunji