The company said Manta-2A, which was drilled by the Ocean Patriot to a total depth of 3113 metres, has intersected a 32.6-metre oil sand thickness and 27.4 metres of gas sand.

All logging is now completed and the seven-inch liner has been set, Anzon said. The well is currently being prepared to run the production tubing and completion.

Last month, Anzon had to re-drill Manta-2 following mechanical problems in the original hole. After pressure-testing the first well at a depth of 971 metres, the company discovered the casing string had mechanically parted at the crossover from the 13 3/8 to 20 inch casing at a depth of about 163 metres. The well was subsequently plugged and drilling of Manta-2A begun.

After Manta-2A is completed, the Ocean Patriot will move to Basker to drill three additional wells as part of the full field development (FFD) plan.

Once completed, the FFD would be capable of producing up to 35,000 barrels of oil per day from all wells completed in the two fields, according to Anzon.

Anzon and Beach Petroleum are 50/50 joint venture partners in the Basker-Manta project.