Ophir Energy’s (LON:OPHR) Padouck Deep-1 well, offshore Gabon, did not encounter significant hydrocarbons in the targeted reservoirs.
The prospect’s failure was due to the lack of a seal and trap, though other elements necessary for exploration success were present.
The well, which would’ve had a big impact if successful, did encounter thicker than expected reservoir sequences and minor ‘shows’ provided evidence of a hydrocarbon system in the basin.
"The Padouck Deep-1 result is disappointing but its failure appears to be prospect-specific and does not dampen our enthusiasm for the broader pre-salt play offshore Gabon,” chief executive Nick Cooper said.
“The well did confirm the presence of thicker than anticipated, good quality reservoir sequences and also evidence of a working hydrocarbon system.
“Despite the lack of commercial success with Padouck Deep-1, these are positives for future exploration of the play.
“Trap integrity was identified as the key risk pre-drill and the absence of salt across this prospect is likely to have contributed to the result. The next pre-salt well will be on the Okala prospect where a thick salt section is interpreted above the target reservoirs."
First, however, the drill rig will drill the Affanga Deep prospect, on the Gnondo Block.
Affanga is estimated to contain 170mln barrels of mean recoverable resources, and an exploration success here would open up follow-on prospects that together could form a hub development.