Ophir Energy has commenced operations at the Paus Biru-1 exploration well on the Sampang production sharing contract off Indonesia. The well is being drilled in a water depth of 30 metres using the jack-up COSL HYSY-937 and is expected to take roughly two weeks to reach a total depth of 650 metres.

The Paus Biru structure has been defined by 3D seismic data as a four-way dip closure with direct hydrocarbon indications.

The exploration well will primarily target the Early Pliocene Mundu Globigerina limestone reservoirs, with the overlying siltstones within the Paciran formation a secondary objective.

Cue noted the Mudu formation was a proven producing reservoir in the Oyong and Wortel fields to the west and the Maleo and Peluang fields to the east, while the Paciran formation has proven productivity in the equivalent section in the Oyong field.

The formations will initially be evaluated using logging while drilling tools and, if warranted, further evaluation will be carried out using wireline formation evaluation tools, including pressure testing and fluid sampling.

If significant hydrocarbons are found, up to two cased hole drill stem tests could be carried out.

Following the completion of operations, the operator plans to plug and abandon the well and, in the event the well is success, it will drill a horizontal production well at a later stage.

Ophir recently completed the acquisition of previous operator Santos’ 45% interest in the Sampang PSC along with the Australian company’s other non-core Asian assets.

It is partnered at Sampang by Cue on 15% and Singapore Petroleum Sampang with the remaining 40% equity.