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.

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. 

Listed 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.