The well, which was the first appraisal well on the Sea Lion feature and designed to investigate the reservoir presence and oil column at a downdip location, was drilled 2.3km from the 14/10-2 discovery well to a total depth of 2801m within the Sea Lion discovery area.
The company said 33m of net pay was found in a good-quality reservoir with 20% average porosity, proving a thick, high-quality reservoir package, a substantial oil column and recognition of the first oil-water contact in the license to date.
The company believes that the results will significantly increase the contingent P90 volume for the oil discovery while the P50 and P10 contingent volumes will be defined as the appraisal program progressed through the remainder of 2011.
The well will now by plugged and abandoned as planned.
The Ocean Guardian rig will then proceed to drill the Ninky prospect, in which Rockhopper has a non-operated 7.5% working interest.
Following completion of the Ninky well, Rockhopper plans to drill a minimum of three further appraisal wells on the Sea Lion feature.
Rockhopper said it will now start work on development planning for the Sea Lion discovery.
