The Maka Central-1 and Sapakara West-1 discoveries, the first of their kind offshore Suriname, are likely to be developed in coming years utilizing a high capacity floating oil production complex. The two discoveries are located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) apart at Block 58.
The wells encountered light oil and gas-condensate in Campanian and Santonian reservoirs and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie says the light oil intervals are viable for development.
“We expect the production of these volumes with a 150,000 b/d FPSO. Due to the lack of clarity on gas commercialisation options, we assume the development of the gas and condensate interval is not viable,” WoodMac has said.
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Block 58 comprises 1.4 million acres and offers significant potential beyond the discoveries at Sapakara West and Maka Central. Operator, Apache has identified at least seven distinct play types and more than 50 prospects within the thermally mature play fairway.
Apache and Total S.A both hold 50% working interest each on the block. In the second half of April the partners commenced exploration drilling at Kwaskwasi-1, which is located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) northwest of Sapakara West-1. Following Kwaskwasi-1, a fourth exploration prospect, Keskesi East-1, will be drilled approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) southeast of the Sapakara discovery well.
Both the Keskesi and Kwaskwasi-1 exploration wells will test oil-prone upper Cretaceous targets in the Campanian and Santonian intervals in reservoirs that appear to be independent from the Maka and Sapakara discoveries.
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WoodMac says Suriname may well be on its way to follow Guyana into an oil boom with the twin offshore discoveries, noting that there remains potential for further finds on the same block.
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