Ophir Energy's Ayamé-1X exploration well offshore the Ivory Coast found oil, but not in significant quantities.
The well, in block CI-513, reached a total depth of 5394m true vertical depth sub sea.
The well was targeting a number of turbidite channel complexes of Santonian and Turonian age. "Oil shows were recorded in the target reservoirs but significant hydrocarbons were not encountered," says Ophir. Full analysis and interpretation of the data is ongoing but the well will be plugged and abandoned as a dry hole.
The well was, however, successfully drilled and cased the longest riser-less surface section in the region and reached total depth in the subsequent hole section with a single bit run - another basin first. Operations are forecast to complete by 22 May 2017 at an estimated final gross cost of US$20.5 million.
Jens Pace, partner Africa Energy's CEO, said: “The well results are obviously not what we were hoping for; however, as an exploration company, we are always pragmatic about the chances of success when it comes to drilling exploration prospects. We are grateful to our partner Ophir Energy who did an excellent job as operator and completed the well safely and under budget. We will now work closely with Ophir Energy to analyze the data obtained through drilling, particularly the oil shows that were encountered in the target reservoirs, in order to establish the next steps with regards to the license. Our full attention now returns to concluding the farm-outs in Senegal and The Gambia so that we can return to exploration drilling in the near future.”