Nigerian block OPL 222 partners plan to evaluate the Usan-1 discovery well test results for commerciality. The Elf Petroleum Nigeria-operated well, in 750 meters water depth, encountered several oil-bearing reservoirs. A production test of one of the intervals flowed at a rate of 5,000 b/d of 34° API oil.
"This discovery is a significant step toward proceeding with a development project on the block," said Nexen CEO Charlie Fischer.
The well was spudded in February and was drilled to 2,725 meters total depth. Ukot-1, the first oil discovery on the block, was drilled and tested in 1998. In April, Elf said the Usan-1 well encountered more than 400 ft net oil in an undisclosed number of reservoirs. OPL 222 is flanked by OPLs 221 and 223, both of which were relinquished for lack of commercial reserves.
While the south-southeast Niger Delta has been prolific on the shelf, deeper water has not delivered. Usan-1 may return attention to this area of the Niger Delta.
Partners are Elf with 20%, Chevron Petroleum Nigeria with 30%, Esso E&P with 30%, and Nexen Petroleum Nigeria with 20%. Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. is concessionaire for the block.
