IOG also gave an update on plans for its Harvey prospect which is expected to start
appraisal drilling next week by the Maersk Resilient rig.
'We also continue to advance towards- the start of the
appraisal drilling programme on Ogo in OPL 310.
On completion at Sol-1 the drilling rig on CPO-5 will return to Indico for
appraisal drilling that has the potential to increase reserves and production from the field," said Chief Executive Officer John Wardle.
This natural gas could "easily support an offshore field development" according to a company statement, which continued that Merak-1's success would be followed up by additional exploration and
appraisal drilling works.
If Merak-1 is successful, additional exploration and
appraisal drilling will follow, it stated.
This would include exploratory as well as
appraisal drilling.
However, it is also estimated that the total reserve in the area has the potential to increase to between 600 to 1,000mmboe, and would provide successful
appraisal drilling activity, as data analysis and
appraisal drilling are currently ongoing at the Pecan South and East.
The company said focus of the work programme in Blocks 3&4 is continued development and
appraisal drilling, upgrading of production facilities and other infrastructure, new seismic acquisition and drilling of exploration wells.
Now, studies for commercialising Alta will be progressed to determine additional
appraisal drilling requirements and the optimal development concept, the company added.
Drilling on the first three development wells has begun, following
appraisal drilling on Ghazeer last year.
Additional exploration drilling is planned on the Stabroek Block for 2018, including potential
appraisal drilling at the Ranger discovery.