Up to eight potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones have been discovered in the Lukut-1 well based on the preliminary results of a recent wireline logging programme, AED Oil Ltd said yesterday.

Gas shows were reported at 1,745m, 1,945m and from 2,150m to 2,185m. Testing of the well is scheduled to begin in July 2010 and discussion is under way with relevant parties to determine the testing programme, AED said in a statement yesterday. The elevated gas influx at 2,230m led to the extended drilling to 2,366m after running liner from the casing point of 2,230m.

“During the drilling of the additional section, elevated gas readings were also recorded between 2,295m and 2,317m. Due to hole and drilling conditions, this section of the hole was not continued and has been plugged back. Interpretation and petrophysical evaluation of the wireline logs for the entire hole is progressing,” it said.

The Lukut-1 well has satisfied the key exploration, safety, schedule and budget objectives. The design of a testing programme is under way.

“Drilling which commenced on May 2, 2010 at Lukut-1 had an initial target depth of 2,150m. The well was designed to test the hydrocarbon potential of a structural feature defined by 3D seismic acquired by the Joint Venture (JV) in 2009,” the statement added.

The Lukut-1 well reached the initial target depth of 2,150m on May 31 and, as elevated gas readings were reported in the drilling mud, the JV partners elected to deepen the well to facilitate assessment of a zone of interest between 2,130m and 2,210m before carrying out the wireline logging programme. The well reached a revised total depth of 2,366m on June 17.

The Nabors 503 drilling rig, currently contracted to drill the Lukut-1 well, will shortly be relocated to AED’s next drill target, Lempuyang-1.

The Lempuyang-1 drilling site is about 15km from Lukut-1, in Brunei’s Block L. Civil works and site preparation for the Lempuyang-1 drilling is complete.

“The Lempuyang-1 drilling programme will target larger and deeper oil and gas prospects than Lukut-1. The Lempuyang Prospect is clearly defined on 3D seismic and displays strong amplitude anomalies at the expected reservoir levels. The Prospect comprises five distinct fault blocks and the Lempuyang-1 exploration well will target one of these blocks. The well is designed to intersect several vertically stacked reservoirs,” AED said.

Depending on drilling outcomes, Lempuyang-1 can be extended deeper to test additional horizon and if it does test these additional horizons, it will be the deepest well drilled in Block L at approximately 3,500m.

The partners in Block L are AED South East Asia Limited (50 per cent), Kulczyk Oil (40 per cent) and QAF Brunei Sdn Bhd (10 per cent).

Lukut-1 was the first well drilled by AED on Brunei Block and the first onshore drilling to take place in Brunei in 24 years.

Block L is owned by the Brunei National Petroleum Company (PetroleumBRUNEI) which have contracted the JV partners to conduct exploration works on Block L.

PetroleumBRUNEI is the regulator of all onshore oil projects in Brunei, owned by His Majesty’s Government.

The Brunei Times

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