As reported by the press, drilling support work has been completed up to a depth of approximately 3,800 meters, and other surveys carried out up to a depth of 4,250 meters, where indications so far show the top of the field begins.
According to press sources, the indications so far are positive and the seismographic data and their interpretation, which led to the choice of the specific target, have been confirmed.
According to TOTAL’s plans, if the data had been negative at this stage, it would begin the process of uninstalling and dismantling the drill.
However, the drill rig will now move on to the next stage of drilling.
However, it is worth noting that so far the positive indications are only of a technical nature, since the data of the field, the extent, composition and quantity of the gas, pressures etc. still have to be confirmed.
Now attention is directed to the drilling itself, which is entering the most critical stage, i.e. within a geological configuration similar to that of the field.
The first confirmed results from the drilling are expected to reach the Energy Ministry and Presidential Palace next week, although no formal announcements are to be made before all the data is confirmed, given that there are both technological and economic regulations concerning this, for example those connected to the Stock Exchange.
Characteristic of the climate of confidentiality, were Tuesday statements by Minister of Energy Giorgos Lakkotrypis on the course of the drilling at the Onisiforos-West 1 region of plot 11.
“We are proceeding normally, we are within the framework, within the timetables we have set. You understand that the confidential activities do not allow us to provide any other details, especially in terms of depth or where we are. All I can say is that everything is progressing based on our planning,” the minister said.
ENI, meanwhile, is following developments with particular interest, not only because it is a TOTAL partner at Plot 11 and has a share in the drilling but also because it is getting very important information ahead of its own planned drilling.
According to the planning so far, three drilling sites are planned in Block 8 at a target named ‘Eratosthenes South 1’ (ES1) and following drilling at the ‘Soupia’ site in Block 2 and ‘Calypso’ site in Block 6.
In another relative development, among the many and successive ones that we will have in the coming months, is that Exxon Mobil during a presentation at Nicosia’s Famagusta Gate next Wednesday, will present its plans for Block 10.
Source: InCyprus
