Located in Timor Sea permit AC/P22, the Puffin-8 sidetrack well has delineated three mapped highs, intersecting 232m of net oil-bearing sand, according to AED.

Most of the well was drilled horizontally, with vertical depth control to maximise potential producing intervals.

The latter part of the well aimed to appraise the oil-bearing structure and the regional oil water contact (OWC), which was confirmed as 2034.1m after penetrating the contact.

A number of pressure measurements were also taken to confirm the regional continuity of oil-bearing sands.

“Overall, drilling conditions encountered have been more difficult than expected,” the company said.

“Accordingly, the company has decided to complete the well as the second oil producer at this point in time, rather than continuing with additional appraisal drilling.”

The company now plans to complete and flow test the well before connecting it to the subsea manifold as part of the Phase 1A installation process.

AED said it would integrate the geological results from Puffin-8 with earlier mapping to update the model of the NE1 area and help calculate oil volumes.