Operator Oil Search said it was preparing to conduct testing operations over two zones of interest in the Saar Carbonates.

“Following interpretation of the electric logs, the Block 35 Joint Venture agreed to conduct a single cased hole test of two zones in the Saar Carbonates," the company said.

"The zones between 2,010-2,050 metres and 2,115-2,145 metres are interpreted to have moderate to good secondary porosity and associated fractures.

“Both zones were associated with gas shows (C1 to C5) when drilled. Although electric logs indicate the zones to be water wet, substantial drilling fluid losses into the two zones experienced while drilling may have suppressed the presence of hydrocarbons in the two zones, especially oil."

The well test is expected to begin in the next two days. An additional clean-up period of two or more days may be needed to pump out drilling fluid lost to the reservoir.

Interests are Oil Search (Yemen) Limited (Operator) 31%, Sipetrol International S.A. 30%, Saba Yemen Oil Company Ltd 19%, Voyager Energy Limited 15%, Saba Yemen Oil Company Ltd 5%.

Elsewhere in Yemen, Oil Search completed the wireline logging program for the Nabrajah-4 appraisal well on 15 January and has suspended it as a potential future producer.

The rig has now been moved to the site of the Nabrajah-5 appraisal well.