Located in 1,100m water depth and approximately 100km offshore in the Sangomar Offshore block, the SNE-1 well is scheduled to be drilled to a total depth of approximately 3,000m, targeting the Shelf Edge Prospect.
Cairn, as operator, has issued Notices of Discovery to Government of Senegal, on behalf of the joint venture, for the SNE-1 well and FAN-1 well.
The SNE-1 well’s initial analysis indicates 95m gross oil bearing column with a gas cap, excellent reservoir sands with net oil pay of 36m as well as oil of 32 degrees API from samples of gas, oil and water recovered to surface.
Cairn will use the results of the FAN-1 well and the final analysis from the SNE-1 well to determine optimal follow up locations to assess the extent of the hydrocarbon accumulations and additional activity scheduled from 2015.
Cairn Energy chief executive Simon Thomson said: "This is a significant oil find for Cairn and Senegal and based on preliminary estimates is a commercial discovery and opens a new basin on the Atlantic Margin.
"On completion of the SNE-1 well the joint venture along with the authorities in Senegal will evaluate all of the information to understand how best to take forward these basin opening discoveries with an appraisal drilling programme in 2015.
Cairn holds a 40% working interest (WI) in three blocks offshore Senegal including Sangomar Deep, Sangomar Offshore and Rufisque, which cover 7,490km2.
ConocoPhillips and FAR have 35% and 15% interest respectively in the blocks while Petrosen owns 10%.
