Total Test-Flows Gas Off S Africa
France's Total has test-flowed gas and condensate from the Luiperd-1X well, where it made its second discovery off South Africa in October, project partner Africa Energy reported on December 7.
Luiperd-1X was brought on stream on November 1 and after several tests at different choke settings, the well reached a maximum constrained flow rate of 33mn ft3/day of natural gas and 4,320 barrels/day of condensate.
“The Luiperd discovery proves that the Outeniqua basin offshore South Africa is a world-class hydrocarbon province that remains highly under-explored,” said Jan Maier, Africa Energy's vice president exploration.
The well reached a total depth of approximately 3,400 m on October 12, at which point the drill stem testing programme was initiated. “We are very pleased with the positive test results that show high condensate yield and excellent reservoir connectivity. These results confirm the joint venture's decision to proceed with development studies and to engage authorities about commercialisation,” Maier said.
Luiperd-1X was drilled at block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua basin 175 km off the southern coast of South Africa. The block covers an area of approximately 19,000-km2 with water depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 m.
Total operates the block with a 45% interest, while Africa Energy has a share in a participating consortium, giving it an indirect stake of 4.9%. The French major made its first play-opening discovery off South Africa in February last year, when it targeted the Brulpadda prospect.