Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Cobalt International Energy, Inc. confirmed in its most recent report that its Lontra #1 and Mavinga #1 deepwater pre-salt exploratory wells offshore Angola were discoveries.
On Block 20, the Lontra #1 well reached total depth, and the drilling and evaluation results confirm an oil and gas discovery. Further evaluation, including a drill stem test, is required to assess Lontra’s potential. Cobalt expects to be able to provide more information on the Lontra #1 well prior to year end.
Upon completion of testing operations, Cobalt plans to mobilize the Petroserv SSV Catarina drilling rig to the Orca #1 pre-salt exploratory well, located approximately 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Lontra in Block 20. Cobalt’s partners in Block 20 include Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção, S.A. and BP Exploration Angola (Kwanza Benguela) Ltd.
In addition, Cobalt announced the Mavinga #1 pre-salt oil discovery on Block 21. The Cobalt operated Mavinga #1 exploratory well, located approximately 8 miles (12.5 km) northwest of Cobalt’s 2012 Cameia discovery, reached total depth and encountered approximately 100 ft of net oil pay. This discovery was confirmed by the successful production of oil from mini drill stem tests, direct pressure and permeability measurements, and log and core analyses. Efforts to establish a sustained flow rate from a full drill stem test were not successful. Cobalt is in the early stages of determining what operational issues may have prevented the production from the oil reservoir during the drill stem test.
Cobalt estimates a gross oil column of up to 650 ft at the crest of the Mavinga structure updip of the Mavinga #1 well. Additional drilling will be required to confirm the ultimate gross thickness of the mound and its reservoir quality; however, the Mavinga discovery is expected to be tied-back to and become part of the planned Cameia development complex in Block 21.
Following the temporary abandonment of the Mavinga #1 well, Cobalt mobilized the Ocean Confidence drilling rig to proceed with the drilling of the Bicuar #1A pre-salt exploratory well on Block 21. Cobalt’s partners in Block 21 include Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção, S.A., Nazaki Oil and Gaz, and Alper Limitada.
“While operations are still continuing at Lontra, it’s clear that each of Cobalt’s four wells to date has been successful in finding and delineating new hydrocarbon resources in the Angolan Pre-salt. This is a remarkable and highly unusual start to the exploration of such an immense new basin,” said Joseph H. Bryant, Cobalt’s chairman and CEO. “Our early success in exploring the Pre-salt offshore Angola and Gabon, coupled with our success to date in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, are a testament to the depth of Cobalt’s portfolio.”
" alt="First LNG Realized at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project">
" alt="United Energy Acquires Western Desert Producer APEX">
" alt="Baker Hughes Announces Major Gas Technology Orders for Venture Global LNG">
" alt="ReconAfrica: Naingopo Results Demonstrate a Working Petroleum System">
" alt="Tullow Highlights 2025 Operational Plans in Ghana">
" alt="TotalEnergies to Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years">
" alt="Rockhopper Reaches Final Settlement with United on Egypt’s Abu Sennan Concession">
" alt="Oil & Gas Crucial for African Growth: AEC Calls for Industry Support to Defend African Market">
