SOCO Successful at Te Giac Den in Vietnam

SOCO International plc has reported that the second of two planned drill stem tests on the Te Giac Den ("TGD-1X-ST1") discovery well on Prospect "E" has recovered black oil, condensate and gas, indicating the presence of oil with similar qualities to that of the Ca Nu Vang Field, which will begin production later this month.

The well encountered approximately 120 meters of good oil and gas shows in a combined gross interval of 570 meters. Permeability and porosity were preserved and compared favorably with pre-drill estimates. The test was hampered by apparent limitations of the perforations, which had to penetrate two casing strings and associated cementing. Additionally, operational issues during both the drilling and testing of the well impacted on its ability to flow and accordingly there are no meaningful sustainable flow rates from either test.

As planned, the Hoang Long Joint Operating Company, operator of Block 16-1 in the Cuu Long Basin offshore Vietnam, has announced that it will now plug and abandon the well.

The "E" Discovery well confirms the presence of a working hydrocarbon system in a high pressure environment necessary to recover hydrocarbons at these depths. Therefore, appraisal drilling will commence following the well data analysis and seismic reprocessing. The well design and drilling program will also be revised to allow a better evaluation of each of the hydrocarbon bearing formations.

The Adriatic XI rig will immediately move to the Te Giac Trang Field and drill the TGT-7X appraisal well on the H3 north fault block.

"As we previously highlighted, the significance of the TGD discovery, at this stage, is the confirmation of the Appraisal Area. Furthermore, the presence of a working hydrocarbon system on such a vast structure underscores the future value of this Discovery and the potential to continue to significantly grow the Company's reserve base in Vietnam," said SOCO Chief Executive, Ed Story.