Nuenco said the 50:50 joint venture, in which Solimar is operator, was subsequently moving to re-complete and test “as soon as possible” the other three wells that encountered gas over numerous intervals in this prospect.

The company said the first well to undergo testing, Jack Hamar-3-13, was tested over 48 hours, when it flowed gas at three sustained production rates – 300,000cfd, 450,000cfd and 633,000cfd.

“The longest test period was at 633,000 cubic feet per day with the tubing pressure constant at 1185psi on a 6/64-inch choke,” Nuenco said.

The testing program is aimed at confirming whether the SELH wells are capable of producing gas at commercial rates and to determine the reserves potential.

“The target is to prove up and exploit a substantial gas accumulation in the shallow Pliocene reservoirs that have been uncovered by drilling to date,” Nuenco said.

“The participants are reviewing options and timing to allow the transportation and sale of gas from the commercial wells once testing has been completed.”