DNO seeks fresh reserves offshore Oman

Nov. 14, 2013
DNO International expects to start a rig-based workover this month of the West Bukha-5 production well offshore Oman.

Offshore staff

OSLO, NorwayDNO International expects to start a rig-based workover this month of the West Bukha-5 production well offshore Oman.

Reprocessing of the West Bukha field 3D seismic data is expected to be completed in December, and a review of the reservoir model is under way to evaluate possible new drilling targets and exploration opportunities in offshore block 8.

In September, DNO completed drilling the Saleh-8 well offshore Ras Al Khaimah. The well, which included a 327-m (1,073-ft) horizontal section, was drilled into the Thamama reservoir and initially flowed 15 MMcf/d (424,753 cm/d) of natural gas and 1,000 b/d of condensate. However, there was a subsequent decline in flowing wellhead pressure and rates combined with increased water production.

Saleh-8 has been tied into existing infrastructure to allow production and pressure monitoring. DNO now plansartificial lift studies on the partly depleted upper Wasia reservoir.

Another operator plans an exploration well next year east of the Saleh field. DNO will carry a 16% interest in this well.

Offshore Tunisia, the company has interests in the Sfax exploration permit and the Ras El Besh concession, covering 3,296 sq km (1,272 sq mi) in the Gulf of Gabes, mostly in shallow waters.

So far there have been three discoveries on the permits with combined recoverable potential of up to 60 MMbbl of oil. There is additional exploration potential with 29 identified prospects that could hold up to 700 MMbbl.

The company’s initial work plan calls for drilling two exploration/appraisal wells next year on the Salloum and Jawhara discoveries.

11/14/2013