Premier completes Macan Tutul-1 drilling

UK independent oil firm Premier Oil PLC announced on Wednesday that the Macan Tutul - 1 exploration well in the Natuna Sea Block A Block has reached a total depth of 9950 feet in order to evaluate deeper reservoir objectives in the Middle and Lower Arang sandstones.

The company said wireline logs have identified the presence of hydrocarbons in this section of hole, although preliminary evaluation suggests that these intervals are tight.

As announced on 31st January, the well had been drilled into the primary target in the Upper and Middle Arang sandstones where it encountered gas as prognosed.

In accordance with the original drilling programme, the well which is located approximately 12km southeast of the Premier operated Anoa field will now be plugged and abandoned.

"Premier believes that this addition to the portfolio will contribute to potential future developments in Block A," said the company.

Premier is the operator of West Natuna Block A with a 28.67% interest, and the other partners in the block are Kufpec (33.33%), Amerada Hess (23%) and Petronas (15%).

After completion of operations at Macan Tutul, the rig will be mobilised to the Lembu Peteng prospect. These two wells are part of a 7-well exploration and development programme to be operated in Block A by Premier in 2006.(alex)