Australian oil and gas company Melbana Energy has begun drilling the Amistad-2 production well in Cuba, reaching a current depth of 37m.
The well is part of the Block 9 production sharing contract (PSC), which spans 2,344km² onshore, 140km east of Havana.
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The drilling aims for a total depth of 1,125m measured depth (MD) and targets the Unit 1B formation with a series of natural fracture systems.
The geological target is positioned around 850m south-west and 200m up-dip of the Alameda-2 well, near the crest of a localised anticline with significant reservoir fracturing.
Melbana intends to drill a 650m MD section of Unit 1B at a shallow angle to enhance the interception of these fractures.
The well design incorporates lessons from previous projects to optimise flow potential, said the Australian oil and gas company.
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By GlobalDataListed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Melbana Energy has a portfolio of exploration, appraisal and development opportunities in Cuba and Australia.
The company acquired Block 9 PSC in 2015 and transferred a 70% stake to Sonangol, Angola’s National Oil Company, in exchange for funding two exploration wells.
In April this year, Melbana Energy announced the construction of key infrastructure for Amistad-2, including Pad 9 and access roads, and all permits are in place.
The company said that additional equipment such as a slotted liner and pump will be used to address wellbore instability, if necessary.
The following month, Melbana Energy announced that it is preparing for a potential Amistad-3 production well, with construction of the well pad having started and drilling permits nearing final approval.
Amistad-3 is set to have a total depth of 1,625m MD, with a trajectory designed to maximise contact with the Unit 1B formation.
In 2018, Melbana Energy divested its 55% interest in two non-core offshore exploration permits, AC/P50 and AC/P51, to Rouge Rock.
