ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. has deemed testing of the Chiya Khere-5 development well in the Atrush Block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as successful after flowing oil.

The Chiya Khere-5 (CK-5) development well was drilled and suspended in May and June 2014. The well was reentered in May 2015, and three well tests (DST) using an electrical submersible pump were carried out, the company said in a news release.

DST#1 was conducted over a 24-m interval in the Mus Formation. The interval tested at an average oil rate of 750 barrels of oil per day (bbl/d) with a final water cut of less than 1%. Oil gravity was measured at 16 degrees API, the release said.

DST#2 was conducted through 60 m of perforations within a 118-m interval in the Sargelu Formation. The interval tested at an average oil rate of 5,000 bbl/d with a constrained drawdown during the main test period. There was no water cut at the end of the test. Oil gravity was measured at about 25 degrees API.

DST#3 was conducted over a perforated 12-m interval within the Naokelekan Formation. The interval tested at an average rate of 1,600 bbl/d with a measured oil gravity similar to DST #2. The workover rig has now moved to the adjacent CK-8 development well and commenced testing operations.

“We estimate that the CK-5 well can produce in excess of 10,000 bbl/d,” ShaMaran CEO Chris Bruijnzeels said. “Combined with the AT-2 and AT-4 well test results, I am confident that we are on track to produce at our planned Phase I production level of 30,000 bbl/d from four wells, including CK-8.”

The Atrush Block is operated by TAQA Atrush BV, which holds 39.9% interest. Petroleum Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary General Exploration Partners, Inc., holds 20.1% interest, while partners Marathon Oil KDV B.V. and the Kurdistan regional government of Iraq hold 15% and 25% interest, respectively.