Petrom Starts Production On Offshore Wells Delta 6 And Lebada Vest 4

Petrom has announced its first oil production from the recently drilled offshore wells Delta 6 and Lebada Vest 04. Both fields, Delta and Lebada Vest, are located in the offshore block Histria XVIII in the Black Sea, according to a press release to BURSA.

"This recent production start-up on Delta field in the second half of this year is a great achievement, taking into consideration the technical difficulties we have experienced during drilling Delta 6. As the concept of extended reach drilling has proved to be successful, Delta 6 might become our most valuable well in Romania," said Johann Pleininger, Petrom Executive Board Member responsible for Exploration and Production.

The hydrocarbons potential of Delta offshore field was confirmed in 2007, through the results achieved by the exploration well Delta 4. In 2008, the field development was reassessed in order to reduce risks and the level of investments needed. Therefore, the drilling of an extended reach horizontal well, Delta 6, was decided.

Delta 6 started production through the existing Petrom offshore facilities at Platform 7 in the first part of Q3/09. The well is currently producing at a reduced testing rate of approximately 2,200 boe/day, until finalization of the expansion of the surface facilities. The maximum rate of 3,400 boe/day is expected to be reached in the final quarter of this year.

The knowledge gained from Delta 6 was successfully applied to another newly drilled well, Lebada Vest 4, which was brought on stream towards the end of August. Lebada Vest 4 is currently producing 900 boe/day.