The three wells SNE-2, SNE-3 and BEL-1 will be drilled back to back in a programme that is estimated to be completed in mid-2016. Both SNE-2 and SNE-3 appraisal wells will be logged, cored and flow tested.
The aim of the appraisal program is to progress towards proving a minimum economic field size for the SNE discovery,which FAR estimates to be approximately 200 million bbls of oil. In addition the BEL-1 well will also evaluate the Bellatrix prospect which lies on the untested Buried Hills exploration play. For reasons of operational efficiency, the top hole of SNE-3 will be drilled first by the Ocean Rig Athena. The rig will be then be mobilised to the SNE-2 well location where SNE-2 will then be drilled to total depth (TD).
Operations on the top hole of the SNE-3 well and drilling to total depth (TD) on the SNE-2 well are expected to last approximately 6 weeks after which the coring, logging and flow testing programme will commence on SNE-2.
On completion of the operations on SNE-2, SNE-3 will be re-entered and drilling and evaluation will be carried out before commencement of the BEL-1 well.
Adapted from a press release by Louise MulhallRead the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/02112015/drilling-commences-offshore-senegal/