Cooper Energy Limited as Operator and 30% joint venture interest-holder of the Bargou Permit, offshore Tunisia advises that the joint venture has decided to drill a second deviated well bore (ST-2) at Hammamet West-3 to access hydrocarbon bearing fractures in the Abiod formation targeted and identified by the initial deviated well bore, ST-1.

The decision to drill ST-2 has been made after production testing of ST-1 successfully confirmed the presence of open hydrocarbon bearing fractures but could not be completed due to ongoing blockages and obstructions caused by lost circulation material (LCM). As previously reported, ST-1 recorded flow rates averaging 1,290 barrels per day for 1.5 hours on 7 August, including oil to surface, in initial testing before blocking of the test string by LCM.

Numerous attempts since that date to clean up the well and resume testing have all resulted in further blockages and obstruction. The joint venture is of the view that a successful production test of ST-1 will be unlikely, and accordingly, is completing operations to plug and abandon ST-1 and prepare for the drilling of ST-2, using the rig that is currently on location (GSP Jupiter), subject to the finalisation of terms.

Tags: Cooper Energy