Offshore staff
EDINBURGH, UK – The semisubmersible Cajun Express has spudded the FD-I exploration well on the F prospect on the Foum block offshore Morocco.
According to operatorCairn Energy, the location is in 1,500 m (4,921 ft) of water, 120 km (74 mi) offshore. The well targets a slope apron clastic fan of Cretaceous/Jurassic age. Drilling is expected to last 60 days with a planned 5,500 m (18,045 ft) TVDSS.
This is a play previously untested offshore Morocco, says partner Serica Energy, adding that numerous salt diaper-related and stratigraphic traps have been mapped elsewhere on the block.
On completion, Cairn plans to move the rig to Morocco’s offshore Cap Juby location to drill a Mid-Jurassic carbonate target.
Cairn has also agreed to a 20% farm-in withKosmos Energy and Morocco’s national oil company ONHYM to the Cap Boujdour exploration permit in the Aaiun basin, 50 km (31 mi) offshore. Kosmos expects to start drilling here during the second half of next year.
The permit is covered by a regional 2D grid and 2,000 sq km (772 sq mi) of 3D seismic. Kosmos has identified three prospects within the 3D area, the largest being Gargaa in 2,135 m (7,004 ft) of water.
Subject to approval from Morocco’s government, Cairn will pay a promoted share of future exploration costs; a 3D seismic survey; next year’s well, and two possible follow-up appraisal wells.
10/31/2013
