The Dublin-based Petroceltic International had successfully drilled the first of 24 new development wells on its Ain Tsila gas and condensate field in Algeria. The AT-10 well, which was spud by the Sinopec Rig in February and completed in mid March, reached a total depth of 2005 meters, Energy Voice reported.

It was also reported by Petroactive Investors that it penetrated a 61 meter gas and condensate zone and results indicate that reservoir quality is in line with the pre-drill estimations. The anticipated offtake rates are comparable to certain previous wells which delivered flow rates of 30mcf/d during testing, Petroceltic said.

The Ain Tsila development is designed to establish a plateau production rate of 355mcf/d.

Company’s CEO, Brian O’Cathain, said: “We are delighted that AT-10 result confirms the success of earlier wells in the highly productive northern part of the field. The Sinopec Rig performed above expectations on its first well and we have a number of improvement initiatives planned to reduce future well costs, mitigate development risks on Ain Tsila and maintain momentum towards first gas.”