Apache, Total make third 'substantial' oil find offshore Suriname

London — US independent Apache and France's Total announced July 30 a third "substantial" light oil and condensate find in Suriname at Block 58 offshore the South American country.

The Kwaskwasi-1 discovery well encountered a total of 278 meters net pay, including 63 meters of "high quality" oil and 86 meters of volatile oil and gas condensates reservoirs in one reservoir. A second, Santonian reservoir was logged with 129 meters of net hydrocarbon pay, Total said.

"This very encouraging results confirm our exploration strategy in this prolific zone, which targets large volumes of resources at low development

costs," Total's senior vice head of exploration Kevin McLachlan said in a statement.

In January, the partners announced the Maka Central-1 discovery, which found 240 feet of oil pay and 164 meters of light oil and gas condensate pay.

A second find in April with the Sapakara West-1 well also found a large reservoir with oil gravities ranging from 35 to 40 degrees API.

Apache currently operates Block 58 with a 50% working interest, and with Total as the joint venture partner with a 50% working interest. The next and fourth exploration well will be drilled back to back on the Keskesi prospect after which Total said it would take over as operator of the block.

Total said the partners planned an appraisal drilling campaign in early 2021, along with an additional exploration work.

Block 58 encompasses 1.4 million acres, and Apache has said it offers "significant" potential beyond Sapakara West and Maka Central. The company has identified at least seven distinct play types and more than 50 prospects within the thermally mature play fairway.