TotalEnergies and APA Corp. have made a significant new oil and associated gas discovery at the Krabdagu-1 well, in the central area of Block 58, offshore Suriname, the companies said in separate press releases on Feb. 21.

Krabdagu-1 follows previous discoveries made by the duo in the Guyana - Suriname Basin including Maka, Sapakara, Kwaskwasi and Keskesi, and the successfully tested Sapakara South-1 appraisal well.

“The promising discovery at Krabdagu is another important step toward achieving our first FID in Block 58 offshore Suriname, and we look forward to continuing our exploration and appraisal programs,” John J. Christmann IV, APA’s CEO and president, commented in a release from the Houston-based company.

In a separate release, Kevin McLachlan, senior vice president of exploration at TotalEnergies, added the successful exploration well at Krabdagu-1 is a significant addition to the discovered resources in the central area of Block 58 offshore Suriname.

TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company headquartered in Paris, is the operator of Block 58, with a 50% working interest. APA holds the remaining 50%.

“This result encourages us to continue our exploration and appraisal strategy of this prolific Block 58 in order to identify sufficient resources by year-end 2022 for a first oil development,” McLachlan said of the Krabdagu-1 discovery.

TotalEnergies Guyana - Suriname Basin Exploration Activities Map
(Source: TotalEnergies)

Located 18 km southeast of Sapakara South, Krabdagu-1 encountered approximately 295 ft (90 m) of net oil pay in good quality Maastrichtian and Campanian reservoirs, according to the APA release.

“We are very pleased with the Krabdagu exploration well, which confirms our geologic and geophysical models and de-risks additional prospects we have matured in the area,” added Tracey Henderson, senior vice president of exploration at APA Corp.

Krabdagu-1 was drilled with the Maersk Valiant to an approximate depth of 17,300 ft (5,273 m). Drilling and logging operations will continue, using the Maersk Valiant drillship.

While the rig is on location, TotalEnergies will progress with drill stem and other wellbore testing to assess the resource potential and productivity of two primary reservoirs. At least three further exploration and appraisal wells are planned to be drilled in 2022 on the block, according to the TotalEnergies release.

Offshore