Cairn Energy has drilled the fourth exploration well in the current evaluation program offshore Senegal.

According to joint venture partner, FAR Ltd, the SNE-4 well was drilled using the Ocean Rig Athena drillship. The appraisal well in the SNE field will help in moving ahead to confirm the commercial capability of the field.

Situated 5km south-east of the SNE-1 discovery well, the well was drilled to evaluate the eastern level of the field and to confirm the nature of the upper reservoirs in the oil zone.

The SNE-4 well which is located in 940m water depth, is to be drilled to a total depth of 3,020m. Drilled and logged the well is estimated to be completed in about four weeks.

FAR had raised $60 million last week to finance the exploration and appraisal of the offshore Senegalese permit. The company had said that the funds will grant it enough capital to meet all its obligations for the next phase of evaluation which might include an extra two contingent wells, Offshore Energy Today reports.

Anita Fatunji