Espadon-1 Exploration Well ,(PSC B), Progress and Current Status: Since the last report on 6 September 2005 the Espadon-1A well was drilled by the ‘Stena Tay’ rig to a total depth of 3,042 metres. Wireline log data was then acquired. Preliminary analysis of both wireline and drilling data indicate that the well has not encountered any significant hydrocarbon bearing sands.
Well Location:
The Espadon-1A well is located approximately 108 kilometres west of Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital, and 13 kilometres west of the Tiof Discovery. Water depth is 1,677 metres.
Exploration Look Ahead :
The ‘Stena Tay’ rig will plug and abandon the Espadon-1A well and then move to the Tevet-2 location within the Chinguetti EEA. Tevet -2 is a dual target well which will appraise the 2004 Tevet Miocene discovery, and also test the deeper Cretaceous section beneath the Miocene sand fairway. After the Tevet-2 exploration appraisal well the ‘Stena Tay’ rig will drill Labeidna-1 exploration well also in PSC B before mobilising to Block 1 to drill Faucon-1 exploration commitment well. The continuing 2005/2006 exploration campaign will also include a PSC C (Block 6) commitment well and further PSC A and B exploration work.
Comment :
Whilst no significant hydrocarbons were found at Espadon-1A the result does not impact the prospects for good quality sands or oil charge in the main canyon system to the west of the Tiof field. Indeed the thick shales encountered at the well location could assist in stratigraphic trapping of hydrocarbons within the fairway
