Located approximately five km south of the basin-opening Tortue-1 gas discovery (renamed Ahmeyim) in approximately 2,700 m of water, Guembeul-1 was drilled to a total depth of 5,245 m. The well encountered 101 m of net gas pay in two excellent quality reservoirs, including 56 m in the Lower Cenomanian and 45 m in the underlying Albian, with no water encountered.
Importantly, Guembeul-1 has demonstrated reservoir continuity as well as static pressure communication with the Tortue-1 well in the Lower Cenomanian, suggesting a single, large gas accumulation. Moreover, the well has significantly de-risked adjacent prospectivity, including proving the existence of excellent quality reservoirs in the Albian.
Based on the integration of the Guembeul-1 well results, Kosmos’ Pmean gross resource estimate for the Tortue West structure has increased to 11 Tcf from 8 Tcf as a result of greater reservoir (net to gross) confidence in the Cenomanian, as well as the inclusion of volumes in the Albian. Accordingly, the Pmean gross resource estimate for the Greater Tortue Complex has increased to 17 Tcf from 14 Tcf.
Field development
Kosmos has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Petrosen and SMHPM, the national oil companies of Senegal and Mauritania, respectively, which sets out the principles for an intergovernmental cooperation agreement for the development of the cross-border Greater Tortue resource. The MOU enables Kosmos and the two governments to work together toward early development of the field, thereby maximizing value for all stakeholders.
“We are pleased to have delivered another major discovery with our first exploration well offshore Senegal. Guembeul-1 confirms the presence of a world class gas resource that extends into both Senegal and Mauritania. With our successful appraisal program and support of both governments, the initial gas development is gaining momentum,” said Andrew G. Inglis, chairman and CEO of Kosmos.
The Atwood Achiever drillship will now proceed to Mauritania to drill the Ahmeyim-2 delineation well in the southern part of Mauritania’s Block C-8. This will test the downdip limits of the field and is expected to complete appraisal of the Tortue West structure.
Kosmos holds a 60% interest in the Guembeul-1 well, along with Timis Corporation Ltd. at 30% and Petrosen at 10%.
Source: WorldOil magazine
