Cairn Energy is getting set to commence the drilling of the fourth exploration well in the current evaluation programme, following the successful conclusion of the third well BEL-1, offshore Senegal.

Works on the BEL-1 well was completed after drilling, coring and logging and the well is currently being plugged and abandoned prior to the departure of the drillship Ocean Rig Athena to the location of the fourth well, SNE-4.

According to the operator, Cairn Energy, the positive campaign results till date has made the Joint Venture (JV) agree on a fourth well location, SNE-4, which is to come on stream soon.

The well results, together with the recent 3D seismic obtained in 4Q 2015, will be integrated into block wide remapping in order to identify possible new plays and down-dip oil possibly linked with the shallower reservoirs.

“The drilling programme in Senegal continues to provide positive evidence of the scale and extent of the SNE field. The BEL-1 appraisal results have provided definitive information confirming the northern extent of the high quality reservoirs seen in the other wells and demonstrated an increased oil column in this area of the field. Operations have been safely and successfully completed and significant data gathered to help the joint venture partners establish the ultimate size of the significant resource base. The evaluation programme continues with the SNE-4 well,” Simon Thomson (photo) Chief Executive of Cairn Energy told Offshore Energy Today.

The company has a 40% working interest in the Sangomar Deep, Sangomar Offshore and Rufisque blocks offshore Senegal, alongside ConocoPhillips with 35%, FAR Ltd with 15% and PETROSEN with 10% working interest.

Anita Fatunji