With a planned total depth of 1000 metres, Bati Umur-1 is expected to reach its primary objective zone at about 400-metres, with possible secondary objectives at a lower depth, according to joint venture partner Incremental Petroleum, which has a 15% interest in the project.

Total drilling time is expected to be about 14 days.

Incremental said the Bati Umur prospect had a positive geochemical anomaly at surface, which indicated mini gas seepage and strong amplitude anomalies on seismic (direct hydrocarbon indicators) coinciding with interpreted reservoir intervals.

A second exploration well, Arpaci–1, will be drilled immediately following Bati Umur-1 on a nearby, but separate prospect, Incremental said.

“The selection of the Bati Umur and Arpaci prospects is the culmination of a rigorous exploration process including data reviews, reprocessing, advanced geochemical and seismic surveys and amplitude anomaly analyses,” Incremental chairman Chris Cronin said.

“Both prospects show amplitude anomalies indicative of the likely presence of hydrocarbons.”

Last month, Incremental announced a farm-in agreement with Ottoman to fund a future A$3,000,000 exploration program to earn a 15% working interest in the Edirne Licence. Incremental’s earning program will start following the drilling of the two wells, which Ottoman has already funded.

A third prospect, also with geochemical and amplitude anomalies, has been lined-up for spudding, if the initial two wells are successful.

Upon success in Bati Umur-1 and/or Arpaci-1, Incremental said the joint venture would step up its exploration and appraisal programs, aiming towards early development of any discoveries.