Noble Energy-operated I-7 exploration well on the Carla South exploration prospect in Block I was spudded by the Atwood Hunter semi-submersible drilling rig just before Easter. The news was reported today by PA Resources which owns a 5.7% stake in the area.
The Carla South prospect lies on trend with the Carla North discovery recently appraised in Block O to the north of Block I in Equatorial Guinea. The target is Tertiary sandstones of similar age to those in the discovery to the north and the well is expected to take around 25 days to reach total depth, with plans for a subsequent sidetrack of similar duration.
PA Resources’ CEO Bo Askvik commented: “We are very glad to have resumed exploration drilling in Block I, following an extended period focussed on development of the Aseng and Alen Fields. In addition it is likely that an appraisal well will be drilled in Block I later this year on the existing Diega discovery and this year’s drilling programme will be valuable in progressing the next field development or developments in Block I”.