The initial Basker-3 clean-up flow was announced last week at a rate of 3552 barrels oil per day.

“This rate was lower than expected and upon analysing the well test, a faulty valve at the bottom of the tubing string was suspected as restricting the flow,” Anzon said.

“The well was re-entered on July 4 to remove the flow restriction; and the improved test result subsequently obtained is consistent with the reservoir quality and well performance of the other Basker and Manta wells.”

Wireline work was also performed on the Basker-2 well to repair an internal leak in the subsea wellhead.

“As part of the program, Anzon was able to identify the probable cause of the higher than expected gas rates during the six-month extended production test of the tandem completion well,” the company said.

“A downhole valve used to isolate one producing interval from another had been leaking. A wireline set plug has been placed in the tubing string to prevent future leakage. As a result, gas production during the full field development can be better controlled.”

The Ocean Patriot will now install the foundation pile for the subsea production manifold that links the four Basker wells to the Manta wells. The development drilling activity, which has been undertaken over the past six months, will then be complete. Rig release is anticipated this Saturday, the company said.