Gazprom Neft has begun drilling an exploration well at the Shakal block in Kurdistan (Iraq) and is soon to commence drilling on a second exploration well. The project will study two oil reservoirs in the Shakal block including flow testing. Well testing will be completed by late 2014 / early 2015.

Grey Wolf (Canada) has been appointed as contractor for the project based on the company's extensive experience in the region. The wells will have a depth of up to 3.5km. Earlier, 2D seismic surveys have been conducted covering an area of more than 1,000 linear kilometres at the Shakal block, where an exploration well has also been drilled. 3D seismic surveys covering 290 square kilometres have also been conducted since Gazprom Neft joined the project.

Tags: Gazprom Neft