Afren plc’s Simrit-2 exploration well in the Kurdistan region of Iraq has been drilled to a depth of 3,800 m (12,467 ft) and the total net oil pay has increased to 460 m (1,509 ft). In addition, a cumulative flow rate of 13,584 barrels of oil per day (b/d) has been achieved from three out of 12 zones to be tested.

Analysis of data collected indicates the continual presence of light oil shows throughout the deepened section of the well. No oil-water contact has been established in the target reservoirs.

Upon completion of drilling operations, an extensive well test program commenced in June. It is the partners' intention to conduct up to 12 separate drillstem tests (DSTs) throughout the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic-aged reservoirs. To date, three DSTs have been completed at separate zones within the Triassic age Kurra Chine formation, yielding an aggregate flow rate of 13,584 b/d of 39° API gravity oil.

Following completion of this first batch of DSTs, the partners will now switch the Viking-11 drilling unit for a work-over rig at the Simrit-2 location in order to complete the remaining nine planned DSTs. The Viking-11 drilling rig will then be mobilized to commence drilling of the Simrit-3 exploration well in August.

Afren has a 20% interest in the Ain Sifni production-sharing contract; Hunt Oil Middle East, operator, 60%; and Kurdistan regional government, 20%.