Medco, CityView decide not to drill E. Java Sebaya-1 well deeper

Australian oil, gas explorer CityView Corporation Limited said Wednesday that Sebaya-1 exploration well drilling in Madura production sharing contract (PSC) area, East Java had reached total of 5954 feet.

According to the company, testing operations will commence in the week commencing November 26 and last for one week.

CityView said its joint venture partner and the block?s operator, local oil firm Medco Eenergi Internasional had decided not to drill deeper. If the well were to be deepened below 5954 feet, high pressure formations may be encountered that would exceed the capacity of the BOP (blow out preventer) installed on the rig. Medco had decided that the mud density required to control deeper pressures could cause the shallower zones below the shoe of the 7-inch liner (5310 feet) to fracture.

Initially, Medco planned to drill to 6,400 feet.

CityView has a 25 percent interest in both the Madura and Simenggaris Blocks while Medco has the remaining 75 percent. (alex)