Zenith Energy has presented an offer for the Sèmè field in Benin

Block-1 is a proven oilfield, with significant unexploited potential, having estimated recoverable reserves (P2) of 22-28 million bbl and 428 billion ft³ of natural gas (Kerr McGee 2005). It has produced a reported 22 million bbl of oil to date, with last production having taken place in 1998. It has a historical recovery factor of 22%, leaving significant margin for improvement of the recovery factor utilising modern completion techniques, horizontal drilling, and improved 3D seismic. It last produced at a rate of approximately 2000 bpd. 23 wells have been drilled in Block-1, with the last well having been drilled in 2009 by South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO). This well discovered oil, however, due to the prevailing oil price at the time (approx. US$30) it was deemed uncommercial. Located in shallow water (30m) offshore and with onshore facilities and tank farm for processing of oil production it is a significant development and exploration potential in the emerging Syn-Rift play extending from neighbouring Nigeria

Andrea Cattaneo, Chief Executive of Zenith, commented: “We are delighted to have submitted this Offer for what is an extremely exciting opportunity in Benin, representing the largest and most prospective oilfield in the country. Block-1 has significant untapped, independently assessed oil and gas reserves, a proven history of material oil production and existing field infrastructure. These key qualities make it a potentially highly enriching addition to our portfolio and fully satisfy the key criteria defining our growth strategy. Benin is a stable and attractive jurisdiction for foreign investment, and we look forward with great enthusiasm to working closely with the local authorities to ensure we achieve a fruitful and enduring partnership in the event our Offer is accepted.”

The Company has presented an offer that outlines certain investment commitments and terms to be negotiated as part of an award for an initial nine-year licence.

The Offer contains specific details surrounding how the company will restore and expand the productivity of Block-1. Specific geological attention will be directed towards developing the emerging Cretaceous Play along the West African coast, which has proven to be a highly prolific basin extending from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana to the West, to the east in Nigeria, with the large ‘Ogo’ oil and gas discovery, as well as producing in the Aje Field.

If Zenith’s Offer for Block-1 is accepted, Zenith will progress in completing a rigorous due diligence process and begin negotiations with the Ministry aimed at finalising a draft Production Sharing Agreement to be approved by the legislature of Benin (in accordance with the Hydrocarbon Code).

Operationally, following potential acceptance of the offer, the company will seek to use the existing infrastructure installed in 2015, where previous development was stalled due to the low oil price environment at the time, to rapidly restore commercial production in the current high oil price climate for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Benin and Zenith Energy shareholders.

As part of the offer, the company has also presented a comprehensive social development plan, outlining agricultural community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering productivity and local employment, in addition to a sustainable development plan that takes into consideration the natural history of the region and places environmental sustainability at the heart of the company’s business development activities in Benin.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/22092022/zenith-energy-has-presented-an-offer-for-the-sm-field-in-benin/