Etame pilot wells offshore Gabon both encounter oil
Vaalco’s Phase 3 drilling program offshore Gabon, designed to prove additional reserves, has had a strong start, according to the company's latest operational update.
Drilling began late in 2025 with two pilot wells in the Etame Field: the ET-15 first well and the ET-15P-ST1 second pilot hole.
The ET-15P was drilled to a total depth of 2,397 m in the western Etame-1V fault Block, targeting the Gamba. It encountered good-quality reservoir sands, in line with pre-drill expectations, with pressure data revealing strong communication with nearby producer wells.
Vaalco said the findings indicate a connected and productive reservoir system, with in-place oil of potentially 2.4 MMbbl to 3.2 MMbbl.
The well also intersected good-quality, oil-bearing sands in the deeper Dentale Formation.
ET-15P-ST1, the second well, was drilled to a depth of 2,175 m on the western side of the main Etame fault block. It encountered numerous good-quality sand intervals within the Gamba, with about 9 m of net reservoir and 4 m of net pay across two sand lobes.
Analysis of the results and volumetric assessment are underway to assess commercial viability for a future development.
Presently, the rig is drilling the ET-15P horizontal production sidetrack from the initial pilot hole. It should be on production later in the current quarter.
Offshore Côte d’Ivoire, the upgraded FPSO Baobab Ivorian is due to sail back to the CNR-operated Baobab Field, in which Vaalco is a partner, early next month from Drydocks World, Dubai.