Dove Energy was awarded East Sarr Block 53 as Operator in 1997. The first exploration phase resulted in the discovery of the Sharyoof Field in 2000. This field has been on production since this time. However, since 2005, a targeted campaign of near field exploration has been pursued. The focus of this activity has been the fractured basement in Block 53 in general and the “Bayoot Ridge” in particular. The first such well was spudded on 10th December 2005 with oil being discovered in the basement and Madbi formations. The Bayoot South West-1 (BSW-1) well was the discovery well for the Bayoot Field. This filed is now on production and is tied back to the main Sharyoof CPF. Since then a further 9 wells have been drilled in this area with over 2 million barrels produced to date from the basement.

The Bayoot field produces from a fractured granite reservoir. This has presented numerous technical challenges. The field is typically encountered at over 4,000m deep and requires increased rig capacity over a typical shallow Sharyoof well. Given the complex reservoir characteristics, this dictates that wells are highly deviated and oriented to optimise flow rates. Detailed studies have been conducted to analyse the fracture distributions in the basement and are aimed at improved well planning and increased well productivity.

Setting 

Block 53 is situated in the Masila-Seiyun basin adjacent to the Total Block 10, DNO Block 32 and the Canadian Nexen Block 14. 

Prospectivity 

The Block has a proven oil systems and reservoir potential in the Qishn clastics, Jurassic limestones and fractured granitic Basement.

Work Programme

Subsequent to the discovery of the Bayoot Field, and the appraisal drilling carried out in 2006, a 3D seismic survey was acquired over the southern part of Block 53 during 2007. This survey has been used to plan additional Bayoot wells and identify new targets on other undrilled structures. Well Raoq-1 was spudded (commenced) on 1st October, 2008 targeting a new basement prospect. The well was drilled to a total depth (TD) of 4648m and is currently suspended. See News and Reports for more information.