Located in 1,427m water depth and approximately 100km offshore in the Sangomar Deep block, the well has been drilled to a target depth (TD) of 4,927m and targeted multiple stacked deepwater fans.
The company will assess well to calibrate the existing 3D seismic in order to determine future plans and optimal follow up locations to validate the extent of the discovered resource.
Upon completion of operations on the FAN-1 well, the rig will be moved to complete the second well, SNE-1 where the top hole has been drilled pending re-entry.
The FAN-1 well is the company’s third well in its West Africa program and first in Senegal.
Cairn holds 40% working interest (WI) in three blocks, which include Sangomar Deep, Sangomar Offshore and Rusifique, covering 7,490km2 offshore Senegal.
ConocoPhillips holds 35% WI, FAR 15% WI and Petrosen, the national oil company of Senegal holds 10% WI.
Cairn Energy CEO Simon Thomson said: "We have encountered a very substantial oil bearing interval which may have significant potential as a standalone discovery.
"Furthermore, this result materially upgrades the prospectivity of the block with a proven petroleum system and a number of deep fan and shelf prospects established.
"Work is already underway with the Joint Venture partners to determine follow up activity which is targeted for 2015 onwards."
