The well, in which Cairn Energy unit Agora Oil and Gas has a 15% interest, reached a total depth of 4,695 feet and encountered 51 feet of net oil in the main Tay sandstone within an estimated 86 feet oil column.
A core was taken and confirmed oil in sandstones and API of the oil is observed at 24 degrees and found to have similar quality to that established at the nearby Catcher discoveries through pressure data and sampling.
The oil water contact was obtained at the shallower end of expectation; driven by the more complex geology associated with this type of footwall prospect, the company noted.
The well also encountered 51 feet of Cromarty sands though these were shown to be water wet on the logs.
Premier Oil chief executive officer Simon Lockett said the discovery of good quality oil in the western part of the block is encouraging and the results from the Carnaby well will be used to calibrate the remaining exploration potential in this part of the block.
"In addition, the data from the Carnaby well will contribute to the ongoing development planning for the Catcher Area which continues to move forward focusing on the production of oil from the previous discoveries on Block 28/9a," he added.
The data acquisition from the well will form the basis to understand the Carnaby discovery’s contribution to the overall Catcher development.
The well will be plugged and abandoned following which the rig will be mobilized to spud the Coaster prospect on Block 28/10a, east of the Catcher acreage.
