Challenger progresses with Saffron-2 appraisal well drilling

Oil and gas firm Challenger Energy has completed the first section of the Saffron-2 appraisal well drilling in Trinidad and Tobago.

The primary objectives of the drilling are to provide immediate production and cash flow, and to inform an efficient development plan for the Saffron field.

Challenger has completed drilling of the top section of Saffron-2 well though the Upper Cruse and upper parts of the Middle Cruse.

The Middle Cruse are zones that were previously intersected and logged in the Saffron-1 well, which was drilled earlier. The Saffron-1 well encountered oil in both the Middle Cruse and Lower Cruse reservoirs.

The Saffron-2 well, which has now reached a depth of 1,593ft of the planned 4,550ft, had encountered formations in line with pre-drill expectations, the firm noted.

Challenger Energy CEO Eytan Uliel said: “I am pleased to advise that Saffron-2 is proceeding as planned, with the first section of the well successfully completed and logged, on time and on budget.

“Thus far, everything is as we would have hoped it would be, both geologically and operationally. This creates a good foundation for the next two stages of the well, which will evaluate the primary targets of interest.”

The firm now plans to assess the Saffron-2 well’s deeper Middle Cruse, while the final phase involves evaluation of the Lower Cruse.

Challenger anticipates the Saffron-2 well, if successful, to produce between 200 to 300 barrels of oil per day (bpd).

The company plans to drill further five to nine production wells in the second half of this year, subject to the successful drilling of the Saffron-2 well.