The Total-operated Saphir-1XB exploration well on Block CI-514 proved the presence of liquid hydrocarbons in the deep offshore west of Ivory Coast, the company said in a news release.
“Drilled in an abrupt margin play, this first well is the first discovery in the San Pedro Basin, a frontier exploration area in Ivory Coast,” said Marc Blaizot, senior vice president, exploration, for Total.
Lying in 2,300 m (7,546 ft) of water, Saphir-1XB is the first well in Block CI-514. It was drilled to a total depth of 4,655 m (15,272 ft), encountering around 40 m (131 ft) of net pay containing light 34° API oil, in a series of 350 m (1,148 ft) of reservoirs, the release said.
The data acquired during drilling are being analyzed and will be used to determine the area’s potential and design the delineation program. Total is pursuing its intensive exploration program in the area, with plans to drill two wells in Blocks CI-515 and CI-516 by year-end.
Total E&P Côte d’Ivoire operates Block CI-514 with a 54% interest, alongside CNR International (36%) and Petroci Holding (10%).
