Tap Oil Ltd. on June 4 provided an update on drilling of the Manora-8ST1 appraisal well at the Manora oil field in the G1/48 concession in the Northern Gulf of Thailand (Tap 30% interest).

The primary objective of the Manora-8ST1 appraisal well was to appraise multiple reservoir zones up-dip from MNA-18 in the eastern fault block, including delineation of the 490-60 sands found in MNA-18. In addition, the well was to explore for additional hydrocarbons at the 300, 400 and 500 levels.

In May, the Manora-8ST1 well reached final total depth of 2,458 m (8,064 ft) MDRT. Petrophysical interpretation of well logs shows a total net pay of 307 ft (93 m). The main objective 490-60 sand is well developed with 86 ft (26 m) pay, similar to the MNA-18 well. Other 400 sands encountered 7 ft pay. Five sands at the 300 level encountered 106 ft (32 m) pay. Three sands at the 500 level encountered 108 feet pay.

Good porosity, pressure and permeability were encountered in the new 300 and 500 sands similar to that found in other Manora oil field wells at those levels.

The 300 and 500 sands are considered to be new contingent resources in the Manora oil field and will be incorporated in an updated statement provided by Tap Oil.

A cement plug has been set to abandon the open hole section. Following completion of the Manora-8ST1, the rig will move to the platform to commence the two well development drilling program comprising MNA-20 and MNA-21.

The positive results from the 500 series sands in Manora-8ST1 are expected to be developed by the MNA-20 infill well as per the pre-drill plan.