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Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Cobalt International Energy successfully tested its Lontra-1 pre-salt discovery on Angola’s Block 21. The testing of the well saw production at a stabilized flow rate of 2,500 bpd of condensate and 39 Mmcf/d of gas. The flow rates were significantly restricted by the surface test facilities on the SSV Catarina drilling rig.
The Lontra-1 exploratory well was drilled to a total depth of 4,195 meters and penetrated approximately 75 meters of net pay in a very high quality reservoir section. The discovery well encountered both a high liquids content gas interval and an oil interval. The drill stem test was conducted in the high liquids content gas interval in order to acquire data on the flow capacity and fluid composition of this interval.
“We and our partners Sonangol P&P and BP are very pleased with the results of our Lontra-1 discovery,” said Joseph H. Bryant, Cobalt’s chairman and CEO. “While further appraisal drilling will be required to determine the ultimate size of the Lontra field, it is clear that Lontra is a discovery on a global scale. The exceptional reservoir system that we have discovered ranks among the best that we have seen. Although the field contains more gas than our pre-drill estimates, it is beneficial that Lontra is offshore near Luanda, where we believe there is a potentially large emerging market for gas. We and our partners as the contractor group have already begun discussions with the concessionaire regarding the simultaneous commercialization of both the liquids and the gas discovered in Lontra for the benefit of both Angola and the contractor group.”
James W. Farnsworth, Cobalt’s chief exploration officer added, “The results of the Lontra well are exceptional, with excellent quality reservoirs that are better than we had expected. Additionally, all of the data that we have collected suggests that the well’s deliverability far exceeds the drill stem test flow rates, which were limited by the surface test equipment. We have now drilled three exploration wells in the Kwanza Pre-salt basin and have made three discoveries. This excellent track record gives us increased confidence in the depth of our Angolan portfolio, the size and value of its potential and the likelihood of further large discoveries.”
Following the temporary abandonment of the Lontra-1 well, Cobalt has mobilized the SSV Catarina rig to drill the Orca-1 pre-salt exploration well (formerly the Baleia Prospect), located northeast of Lontra on Block 20. Cobalt, as operator, owns a 40% working interest in both Lontra and Orca.
Partners in Block 20 are BP and Sonangol P&P, each with a 30% working interest.
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