The National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mining (ONHYM) in Morocco revealed that Irish exploration and production company Circle Oil has found gas in the Sebou permit onshore Morocco
According to Circle Oil, the company has been drilling in the SAH-W1 well in the Sebou Permit, located 3.2km south-west of the main gas gathering station, since May this year when it was drilled to a total depth of 1,263m.
Gas was encountered at three levels within the target and the company has confirmed the presence of three gas-bearing zones.
An 18cm casing had to be installed before drilling a 15cm hole through the main target interval, and subsequent pressure testing in this hole confirmed permeable high pressure reservoirs, according to Circle Oil.
Chris Green, chief executive of Circle Oil, said, “We are delighted to add another successful discovery to our Sebou gas portfolio. This is the first well of a six-well programme to be drilled with our partner ONHYM in the Sebou permit and is coupled with another six-well programme in the Lalla Mimouna permit."
This is Morocco's second gas discovery in 2014 after Longreach Oil & Gas found 'encouraging signs' in the Kamar-1 gas well, located at Sidi Moktar, near Essaouira on the country's east coast.
The Moroccan government is planning to drill around 30 oil and gas wells in 2014 as part of its expansion into exploration. Oil majors like Chevron, Cairn Energy and BP have been awarded contracts by the ONHYM to drill in Morocco.
