Oilex starts long-term drilling programme at Cambay
Australian explorer Oilex is planning a drilling programme of up to 40 wells at the Cambay block in Gujarat, where it is operator with 45% alongside partner GSPC with 55%.
“If the appraisal plan shows success Oilex will drill continuously at Cambay over two years,†we hear. “Forty is the best estimate of the number of wellsOilex might drill, but it could be less.
†On March 11, Oilex spud appraisal well C-23Z, the first of a six-well DGH-approved programme at Cambay, after a three-month delay, partly explained by the late arrival and slow commissioning of a newly built 2000-hp rig from Dewanchand Ramsaran. By March 15, the driller had lowered the 13 3/8-inch casing as the â€کdeviated’ C-23Z well reached 598 metres below ground, short of the 2000 metres TD, which Oilex hopes to reach in April.
“Oilex is targeting two zones: a shallow zone at 1500 metres and a deeper zone,†we learn. “If the shallow zone flows hydrocarbons it will be suspended as a future producer.
†Oilex reckons each well will take between 25-30 days and that the six-well programme will end in August, when the company wants to enter “the next phase of drilling.†Where exactly this “next phase†will start depends entirely on the resultsof the appraisal programme underway.
Oilex has long stressed the huge â€کstep-out’ potential in portions of the 160-sq km block that are largely unexplored. “Most of the earlier ONGC wells were in the central areas and southern areas,†we hear.
“Oilex wants to go north and north-east and deeper in the section.†Oilex is excited about a $3.2m blanket 3D survey completed by Torun Geofyzika in December 2005.
“This 3D gives Oilex a better understanding of gas distribution within the block,†we hear. “More sophisticated interpretation is in progress.
†Oilex is looking to hire a reserves consultant and by the end of this year expects to answer two critical questions: how much will Cambay produce and what are in place reserves