Africa-focused Ophir Energy reported Tuesday that drilling operations has finished on its Okala-1 well on the Mbeli block, offshore Gabon, but that the well turned out dry.

The pre-salt well, in which Ophir has a 50-percent net operated interest, was drilled by the Vantage Titanium Explorer (UDW drillship) to a depth 13,875 feet and targeted Cretaceous sands. 

The well encountered a thick section of Aptian salt as expected as well as well-developed sandstones in the Gamba and Dentale formations. However, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows in the target reservoirs, Ophir said.

Ophir's share of the Okala-1 well costs was partially covered by carries from the company's joint venture partners, the firm added.

Ophir CEO Nick Cooper commented in a company statement:

"Okala marks the end of Ophir's 2014 exploration campaign in Gabon. Initial analysis indicates that the well failed due to either source and/or charge issues at this location. The information gleaned from the 2014 programme will now be used to refine our understanding of the sub-salt basin architecture and source distribution and to direct future exploration activity on the blocks.

"The Titanium Explorer drillship will now move to Equatorial Guinea for a three well programme designed to enlarge and de-risk the resource base in Block R. At least a further five well results are expected from drilling in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania by October."

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

Name: Email: Comments: