The latest exploration well offshore Morocco has been plugged and abandoned after failing to find commercial hydrocarbons.
The FA-1 well in the Foum Assaka offshore block was drilled by Kosmos Energy to a total depth of 3830m. The well, which Kosmos says was the first in a series of play-opening wells designed to unlock the Agadir Basin, was drilled to test a salt diapir play concept targeting the Cretaceous interval in a combined structural-stratigraphic trap. It is one of several independent play types and fairways present in the Agadir Basin, says Kosmos.
“FA-1 encountered oil and gas shows while drilling, and in sidewall cores, suggesting the presence of a working petroleum system,” says Kosmos. The well results will now be integrated into Kosmos’ ongoing petroleum system analysis; in particular, the assessment of charge and reservoir play risks, as well as the evaluation and ranking of trap types ahead of future drilling in 2015 and beyond. Kosmos holds 29.9% interest in the Foum Assaka offshore and is operator.
Paul Griffiths, Managing Director of partner Fastnet Oil & Gas (12.5% interest), said: "It is the first exploration well in the Foum Assaka license area and as such has provided valuable information to support and enhance the ongoing evaluation of the license."
Kosmos also said a 4300sq km 3D seismic program in the Essaouira offshore and Tarhazoute offshore blocks in Morocco started in March.