OMV announced a discovery and successful testing of gas in its Latif 1 exploration well in the Latif Exploration Block in Northern Sindh province/Pakistan. This is an additional discovery in an area where OMV has discovered two major gas fields before, Miano and Sawan, which were brought on stream in 2001 and 2003. The recent discovery, which is operated by OMV (Pakistan) Exploration GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of OMV, opens the potential for further discoveries in the vicinity. The exploration well reached a total depth of 3,520 m and encountered a total of 18.7 m net gas/condensate pay in three layers at depths of 3,200 to 3,450 m. Further appraisal activities for the area like the acquisition of additional 3D seismic and drilling of wells are envisaged.
Helmut Langanger, OMV Executive Board member responsible for Exploration and Production stated: “I am delighted with this additional discovery in our Middle East core region. It confirms the potential of this block and allows us to integrate the new discovery in our existing infrastructure. This is in line with our plans for further growth in Pakistan, where OMV is the biggest international gas operator.”
Two out of the three intervals were successfully tested in February 2007 confirming the potential of the new reservoir units. Preliminary results show that the well is capable of flowing over 1,700 boe/d (10 mn scf/d) from the tested zones. However, the actual flow potential and size of the field would be determined after a long term test and appraisal of the field.
The drilling rig has moved off and preparations for further production testing and evaluations are under way. Further 3D seismic and appraisal drilling are planned. OMV and its joint venture partners Eni AEP Limited (Eni) and Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) hold about one third of the Latif Exploration Licence.
The new discovery and the existing infrastructure of the Sawan and Miano fields are located directly between the markets of the two Pakistani gas suppliers, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines and Sui Southern Gas Company, which enables OMV to deliver to both networks. In adding new reserves through exploration activities in this area OMV strengthens its position as strategic hub.
OMV is the biggest international natural gas producer in terms of operated volumes in Pakistan. As the operator of the Sawan and Miano gas fields, as well as the Kadanwari processing facilities, OMV is now responsible for operating more than 100,000 boe/d (600 mn scf/d) covering approximately 16% of Pakistan’s demand for natural gas. The total daily net production of OMV in Pakistan amounts to approximately 20,000 boe/d (120 mn scf/d).
(AP Petromin)