'Significant' oil interval found at onshore Cuban well

Published by Nicholas Woodroof, Editor
Oilfield Technology, Monday, 07 February 2022 13:00

Melbana Energy has said that drilling operations at its Alameda-1 exploration well in its Block 9 contract area onshore Cuba have reached a depth of approximately 3590 mMD (3420 mTVD), at which point a lithology change was detected, potentially signifying the bottom of the reservoir.

As a result, the decision has been made to call total depth for the current 8½ in. section (N structure) to preserve the oil already found in this section.

The interval just drilled commenced at approximately 3077 mMD (2970 mTVD), indicating a potential gross reservoir interval of possibly as much as 500 mMD (450 mTVD). The gas behaviour in this interval was better than anticipated and there have been significant oil shows present throughout on the shale shakers and in cuttings samples. Drilling of this section commenced with a mud weight of 1.54sg and had to increase up to 1.73sg to maintain well control.

Preparations are now underway to log the section just drilled, which should give a better understanding of the hydrocarbons that have been encountered.

Following the completion of logging of this section the 7 in. liner will be set before drilling ahead into the deeper zone with a 6 in. hole to test the Alameda structure - the second and largest primary target for this exploration well.

Melbana Energy’s Executive Chairman, Andrew Purcell, commented: “This well is not affording much chance for rest for our hard working team here on the ground in Cuba, but no one is complaining given what this well continues to tell us. We’re all looking forward to the results of the forthcoming logging program to learn more about this extensive oil interval we’ve intersected.”

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Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/07022022/significant-oil-interval-found-at-onshore-cuban-well/

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