US-based VAALCO Energy has completed the acquisition of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data at the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon
Cary Bounds, CEO, commented, “We will now proceed with the processing and analysis of the data that has been collected. Over the past 20 years, we have capitalised on the significant resource potential at Etame by increasing the ultimate recovery from the initial estimate of 30 million gross barrels of oil to 147 million gross barrels of oil on a 2P basis.
“Looking ahead, our new 3-D seismic survey is a vital tool in helping us unlock the remaining 116 million gross barrels of oil reserves and resources identified on the license. The new seismic data will help us optimise every location to drill and potentially identify new locations to add to our drillable inventory. Additionally, our recent announcement of the acquisition of Sasol’s interest at Etame combined with the new 3-D seismic survey underscores our confidence in the long-term potential at Etame.”
Highlights
-Completed the acquisition of nearly 1,000 sqkm of new dual-azimuth proprietary 3-D seismic data over the entire Etame Marin block which will be used to optimise and de-risk future drilling locations and potentially identify new drilling locations;
-Enhances sub-surface imaging by merging legacy data with newly acquired seismic allowing for the first continuous 3-D seismic over the entire block;
-Estimates the total costs of both the acquisition and processing of seismic data to be approximately US$14-US$16mn gross over the period from Q4 2020 through Q4 2021 and VAALCO expects to fully fund its portion with cash on hand and cash from operations;
-Processing of the seismic data expected to begin in January 2021 with all data expected to be fully processed and analysed by Q4 2021; and
-Planning for the commencement of the next drilling campaign at Etame in late 2021 or early 2022.
