Oil Search has reported positive results at the P’nyang South 2 / P’nyang South 2 ST1 appraisal well in PRL 3/APDL 13, North-West Highlands, PNG.

The objective of the well, which was spudded October 22 2017, was to migrate 2C (proven and probable) gas resource volumes to the 1C (proven) category as well as appraise 2C resource upside potential identified in the south-eastern part of the field.  

During the month, 9-5/8” casing was set at 1,981 metres. The well was cored and then drilled in an 8-1/2” hole through the objective Toro, Digimu and Emuk formations to a total depth of 2,275 metres.  Cores were cut through the Toro A and C units and pressure data was acquired. The Toro and Digimu Formation sands are interpreted to be hydrocarbon (gas) saturated with good reservoir quality. This is in line with Oil Search’s pre-drill prognosis and has confirmed the presence of gas in this part of the field.   

At the end of December, data acquisition and evaluation over the target sands continued. The forward plan is to set 7” liner prior to drilling ahead to gather additional structural information. The revised total depth for P’nyang South 2 ST1 is approx. 2,725 metres.

Operator: Oil Search (on behalf of ExxonMobil). Participants: Affiliates of Oil Search 38.5%; Affiliates of ExxonMobil 49.0%; Merlin Petroleum Company (an affiliate of JX Nippon) 12.5%.