Premier hits oil in Isobel Deep well (Falkland Islands)

Premier Oil has announced an oil discovery at the Isobel Deep exploration well 14/20-1 in the North Falkland Basin, offshore the Falkland Islands, approximately 30km south of the Sea Lion field.

According to Premier, the Isobel Deep exploration well has been drilled to a depth of 8,289 feet reaching top reservoir on prognosis. The bottom 75 feet of the well consists of oil bearing F3 sands.

These sands were at a higher than expected reservoir pressure and this resulted in an influx into the well, the company said. Premier further notes that as part of the operations to remove the influx, oil was recovered from the well and appears similar in nature to Sea Lion crude.

Premier added that as a result of the new geological information it has been decided to suspend operations on the well and release the Eirik Raude drilling rig to drill in the South Falkland Basin. The rig is expected to return to continue operations in the North Falklands Basin in August.

Premier is now considering the optimal appraisal programme for the Elaine/Isobel complex in PL004.

Andrew Lodge, Exploration Director, commented:

“This is an important play opening discovery in the previously unexplored southern area of Licence PL004. The well has successfully demonstrated a trapping mechanism and the presence of moveable oil in the Elaine/Isobel fan complex.”   

Falkland Oil and Gas Limited (FOGL) has 40% interest in the licence PL004a where the well is located.

Tim Bushell, CEO of FOGL, commented: “We are delighted by the results of this well. Whilst it has not been possible to acquire wireline logs over the F3 reservoir (Isobel Deep), the presence of oil bearing sands is highly encouraging. FOGL believes these initial results open up an exciting new oil play in this part of PL004 and also, significantly reduce the risk on FOGL’s other prospects in the adjacent PL005 licence.

“Further operations on the well will be performed when the rig returns to the North Falkland Basin after the Humpback well. These could include either a side-track from the existing well or a re-drill of the well near to the current location, depending on what is deemed appropriate once the drilling results have been further evaluated.”

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