Sound Energy on Monday announced that the groundwork for its Tendrara licence area have begun on site and contracts have been awarded for the first well, Energy-pedia reports.

The Company stated that civil works on site at Tendrara which includes the upgrading of local infrastructure followed by the preparation of the camp and the two well pad areas have now begun.

According to Sound Energy, in addition to the Field Management Agreement (FMA) signed with Schlumberger in relation to the licence, all contracts related to the drilling of the first appraisal well at Tendrara have been awarded. The contracts include a binding rig contract with Saipem for a National 110 UE (1500 HP) traditional rig. The rig is at present being made ready for deployment from Mauritania, scheduled to commence very soon.

With the first well expected to cost about £9.2 million, Schlumberger has decided to fund 80% of the capital costs of the first appraisal well on the licence, while Sound Energy is only required to fund 20% of capital costs under the agreement.  The well is situated about 2.4km North East of the formerly drilled TE5 well.

“We expect our first Moroccan well to demonstrate that we can secure commercial flow rates at Tendrara whilst also proving up further significant volumes.  This will be a critical well for both Sound Energy and the whole of Eastern Morocco, which is rapidly attracting interest from across the sector. We are delighted to be working so closely with a world class partner such as Schlumberger, and look forward to updating the market on progress,” James Parsons, Sound Energy's CEO said.

Anita Fatunji