SOCO EPC, operator of the Marine XI Block offshore the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), has successfully completed testing the exploration well Lidongo X Marine 101 ST1 (LXM-101). The well significantly exceeded pre-test expectations, according to a press release, reaching a post-stimulation frack peak rate of 5,174 bbl/d of oil and 103 Mcm/d (3.65 MMcf/d) of gas.

The LXM-101 well, located 23 km (14.3 miles) northwest of Pointe Noire in a water depth of about 45 m (148 ft), was drilled to a total depth of 2,665 m (8,743 ft). The well encountered oil in a clastics sequence in the Djeno sand formation with drilling shows and early log interpretation indicating about a 50-m (164-ft) gross interval. The test, over a perforated 20-m (66-ft) section, produced at a stable average flow rate of 4,800 bbl/d and 99 Mcm/d (3.5 MMcf/d) on a 56/64-in. fixed choke with a flowing wellhead pressure of 778 psi following the execution of the stimulation frack. The oil quality was 32˚API. The well results will now be analyzed to determine the continuity of the well with the nearby discovery in the Marine XII Block.

SOCO EPC holds a 40.39% interest in the Marine XI Block. Project partners are WNR (23%), SNPC (15%), AOGC (13.11%) and PetroVietnam Exploration and Production (8.5%).