Lukoil Overseas completed drilling on its first offshore exploration well, Capitaine East-1X, at block CI-101 in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, the Russian company announced 2 April 2014.
The well penetrated through 140m of sandstone from a Turonian formation. Lukoil said a survey confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, indicating the oil potential of the area. The well's target depth exceeds 5200m; the water depth at the well location exceeds 2000m. Drilling was conducted using the Eirik Raude, a fifth generation self-propelled semisubmersible drilling rig.
Lukoil completed drilling on an appraisal well at the Independance field at the end of 2013, which was located northeast of block CI-101, at the adjacent CI-401 block. The company said a survey is in progress to determine the block's resource potential. A proposal to drill another appraisal well at the Independance field is under consideration.
Lukoil has operated blocks CI-101 and CI-401 with 56.66% since 2012. Its partners include PanAtlantic – formerly Vanco – (28.34%), and state-owned PETROCI Holding (15%).
Image: Eirik Raude semisub
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