Falkland Islands-focused Borders & Southern Petroleum is working to provide an updated reserves estimate for its Darwin oil and condensate discovery in the South Atlantic and finalise plans for a drilling appraisal campaign.

The UK-based independent says highlights so far this year include the acquisition of 1,025 sq km of 3D seismic, receiving fast track processed seismic and completing its initial interpretation, and progressing with plans for a farm-out.

According to CEO Howard Obee, activity during the first half of this year has mainly focused on reservoir engineering studies of the Darwin discovery, the acquisition and processing of the new 3D seismic, as well as planning for the next drilling campaign.

Darwin is already lightly pencilled in by the company as a potential leased FPSO development, focused on producing the Darwin East and West discoveries (see DI, 4 February 2013, page 1). Darwin East, which contains the original discovery well 61/17-1, and Darwin West (not yet tested), have estimated combined mid-case reserves of 210 MMbbl of gas and condensate.

Reservoir engineering has concentrated on building more sophisticated models to incorporate detailed mapping of faults and internal reservoir facies variations in the light of the company’s enhanced understanding of the fluid properties, he said.

He continued by saying that fast-track processed data from the 3D seismic survey completed earlier this year has been received and interpreted, and not only does it confirm the company’s understanding of the potential of other prospects such as Covington, it also provides valuable new insights into the regional geology.

Borders & Southern has completed work on conceptual well designs for appraisal and exploration wells. Working with other Falkland Island operators it has also completed a market enquiry for a suitable rig.

While there is a possibility for joint operations to start in the fourth quarter of next year, the most likely timing for the next drilling campaign is 2015, added Mr Obee. In order to participate in a shared rig programme the company needs to secure a partner, he continued, saying that its ongoing farmout process will be reported on in due course.