The program started last week, after the well penetrated the top of the Basement formation.

Oil Search said it now planned to complete the wireline logging before running and cementing the 9 5 /8 inch casing, after which the well will drill ahead into the Basement in an 8 ½ inch hole.

Nabrajah-9 is the second well in the first phase of the Nabrajah Basement appraisal/development program. The well, which is 2.7km northwest of Nabrajah-5, is being drilled as a deviation.

Its objectives are to appraise the Basement oil accumulation discovered by Nabrajah-5 and to provide oil production from the fractured Basement reservoir, Oil Search said.

Last month, Oil Search reported that the Nabrajah-5 flowed 5,800 barrels of oil per day.

Partners in Nabrajah-9 are: DNO ASA 56.67% (operator), Oil Search (Yemen) Limited 28.33% and The Yemen Company 15% (carried).