Houston-based Cobalt International Energy has said it expects the results of two deepwater exploration wells offshore Angola during the second half of this year.
It is drilling the Mavinga #1 pre-salt exploratory well with Diamond Offshore's Ocean Confidence rig in Block 21 and the Lontra #1 pre-salt exploratory well on Block 20, using Petroserv's new-build SSV Catarina rig.
Cobalt is operator and owns a 40% working interest in both the Mavinga #1 and the Lontra #1 wells.
Cobalt is also a partner in the Total-operated Diaman #1 pre-salt exploratory well on the Diaba block offshore Gabon.
The Diaman #1 well was spudded on April 17, but had to be re-spudded, due to mechanical problems with the original wellbore. Results from the Diaman #1 well are expected in the third quarter of 2013. Cobalt owns a 21.25% interest in Diaman #1.
Cobalt is also working on pre-development activities for its Cameia field in Angola on Block 21.
Formal project sanction is expected during 2014, with first production from Cameia in 2017. Cobalt is the operator of and owns a 40% working interest in the Cameia.