The ETSEM-1 well is being drilled on a prospect within the boundaries of the Etame Development Area, three miles (5km) southeast of the Etame field. The Gamba sandstone section found in the ETSEM-1 well is the same reservoir that produces in the Etame, Avouma, South Tchibala and Ebouri fields.
The company is advancing to sidetrack the ETSEM-1 well to confirm the oil accumulation and seek the oil/water contact in the Gamba sandstone section to find out if the discovery is commercial, the company said. The sidetrack is expected to take approximately 22 days to drill.
The company added that an additional sidetrack may be necessary to further delineate the prospect. If the Southeast Etame prospect proves to be commercial, it is expected that the new field can be developed and tied back to the company’s existing floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facilities.
The ETSEM-1 well has been deepened to investigate potential Dentale sand reservoirs below the Gamba sandstone section. Although some hydrocarbon shows were encountered, the initial assessment is the Dentale sands are primarily water-bearing at this location. However, logging activities are underway to further evaluate the Dentale sands.
The company’s subsidiary Vaalco Gabon Etame operates the Etame Marin Permit in which it holds a 28.07% net interest in the Etame Field. Other participants in the permit are Addax Petroleum Etame (31.36%), Sasol Petroleum Etame (27.75%), Sojitz Etame (2.98%), PetroEnergy Resources (2.34%) and Tullow Oil Gabon (7.5%).
