The Stena Tay drilling rig is continuing operations on the Faucon-1 exploration well in Block 1, offshore Mauritania, according to Hardman.
“While drilling at 3,475 metres the well had a fluid influx of 27 barrels,” the company said.
“The well was shut-in, then control-drilled to 3536 metres when a decision was taken to run an intermediate logging suite. Preliminary analysis of drilling and wireline data indicates that the well has encountered hydrocarbon bearing sandstones within the upper section of the prognosed Cretaceous age target zone.”
Dana Petroleum is currently running a full suite of wireline logs, and obtaining formation pressures, fluid and core samples, according to Hardman.
“In order to fully explore the Cretaceous section it is likely that an additional casing string will be required prior to drilling ahead a further 700 metres to the planned total depth,” Hardman said.
Faucon-1 is in 1164 metres of water in Block 1. The reservoir is a Cretaceous canyon complex sealed against a salt diapir with a planned total depth of 4,200 metres. All reported depths (except water depth) are referenced to the rig rotary table (RT).
Equities in Block 1 are: Dana Petroleum (E&P) Ltd (operator) 60%, Hardman Petroleum (Mauritania) Pty Ltd 18%, Tullow Oil 32% and Roc Oil (Mauritania) Company 2%. Gaz De France is acquiring 24% from Dana.
