SOCO to drill Marine XI prospects

Offshore staff

LONDON --SOCO Exploration and Production Congo has agreed terms for a rig contract offshore Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).

The two-well program in the Marine XI block should start late-July or early in August. The first well will test a prospect above the salt layer, followed by an appraisal well of the subsalt Viodo oil field.

The Republic's government also approved SOCO's farm-in to the Marine XIV block in March as operator. The company has since completed a multi-azimuthal 3D seismic acquisition program, results of which are currently being processed. A well is planned next year.

05/15/2009