Drilling imminent on reopened Sèmè Field offshore Benin

Lime Petroleum, a subsidiary of Rex International Holding, has provided an update on its redevelopment of the Sèmè Field in Block 1 offshore Benin.

In late 2023, the company established Akrake Petroleum Benin, which holds a production sharing agreement with the government of Benin for the Block 1 exploration license (which also includes the previously produced Sèmè Field). 

Plans call for a phased development, with the initial focus on bringing the field back into production while compiling further data on the subsurface. The goal is to optimize further development of the field, including previously untapped deeper reservoir sections.

Reprocessing of 3D seismic data acquired in 2007 has been completed, along with a detailed field development plan.

Offshore operations have begun with a site survey over the planned drilling and production location. Borr Drilling’s Borr Gerd jackup rig is due to arrive at the field later this month and start drilling the first of three wellbores in early July.

The first will be an appraisal well designed to provide new data on the deeper reservoir units. Thereafter, the rig will drill and complete two horizontal production wells in the H6 reservoir, where subsurface analysis indicates there are substantial remaining reserves.

Once drilling is completed in early October, a MOPU (currently in Dubai for refurbishment) and a floating storage and offloading unit will arrive at the field location. The MOPU will then be connected to the new wells, followed by first oil at rates estimated at about 16,000 bbl/d.

Following analysis of the new subsurface data from Phase 1, Akrake plans to switch its focus to Phase 2, which could involve development of the deeper H7 and H8 reservoirs and more development drilling in the H6 reservoir.

Offshore Norway, Lime added that the partners are aiming to settle next year on a plan for development and operation of the Lunde discovery in PL838 (Lime 30%).