KEYFACT Energy
Block Energy Plc, the exploration and production company focused on the Republic of Georgia, announces the successful installation and cementing of casing through the build section of well WR-38Z at its flagship West Rustavi field, a critical phase in the sidetracking operations currently in progress at the Well. The Company is also further strengthening its technical team.
Casing at WR-38Z
WR-38Z is being drilled horizontally into the Field's primary oil-bearing Middle Eocene reservoir. The seven inch casing - or "liner" - was run into the bottom of the Well and cemented in place above the target formation. The design of the casing, which prevents fluid incursion from the Upper Eocene layers above the Middle Eocene, has been informed by valuable data and experience gained through operations at the appraisal well WR-16aZ ("WR-16aZ"), the first well the Company drilled at West Rustavi. Other cost-effective and proven isolation techniques being deployed include the use of swellable packers providing secondary barriers to water entry. Block looks forward to announcing the completion of drilling operations at the Well in around two weeks.
WR-38Z is the second in a fully-funded, multi-well programme Block is pursuing to realise West Rustavi's potential. The Company plans to sidetrack three other wells, test one of the Field's gas discoveries, and drill a new gas well. Block is currently acquiring a 3D seismic survey to provide a comprehensive understanding of West Rustavi's subsurface, allowing the Company to identify optimal locations for future drilling.
New Technical Appointments
Block is also pleased to announce new appointments further strengthening the Company's technical and operations team.
Two highly experienced geoscientists, Steve Smith and Jim Lee, bring more than 70 years' collective technical and managerial expertise gained in the course of work across the world for small, intermediate and major oil and gas companies. Georgian oil and gas industry veteran Mamuka Kharabadze will manage Block's operations subsidiary, Block Operating Company LLC ("BOC"). And Kevin VanBuskirk, contributes more than 40 years' international onshore and offshore well operations experience. Brief profiles are provided below:
Mamuka Kharabadze - General Director BOC
Mamuka has 20 years' experience of the Georgian oil and gas industry. Before managing BOC he was General Director of the Norio Operating Company, Block's Georgian partners,. Mamuka has also held logistics management positions for Canargo and the Georgian British Oil Company, and played senior roles in the acquisition of more than 600 km for 2D seismic surveys and the drilling of more than 25 wells.
Steve Smith - Subsurface Lead
Steve has more than 30 years' technical and managerial experience encompassing both small independents and the majors. He is a versatile geoscientist with expertise in both geology and geophysics. Steve has worked as an exploration manager for Shell, a technical advisor to the CEO of Gulfsands Petroleum, and a new ventures manager for JX Nippon. He has a BSc in Geology from the University of London and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London.
Jim Lee - Senior Geologist
Jim has more than 35 years' experience of reservoir evaluation, risk analysis and project management, working in Canada, Russia, Australia, Yemen, Mongolia and South America. He focuses on making sound economic decisions through the integration of geology, geophysics and engineering disciplines. Jim has worked with companies ranging from successful junior start-ups and large intermediates. He holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Alberta, Canada, and is a professional geologist registered in Alberta.
Kevin VanBuskirk - Well Operations Specialist
Kevin has more than 40 years' international onshore and offshore operations experience, working in Georgia, Ukraine, Canada, Alaska and the Arctic. He has held senior field roles overseeing completions and drilling operations with companies including Apache, Nexen, Talisman, Statoil, Shell, Union Oil and Dome Petroleum. Kevin has also provided management and consulting services for minerals exploration and environmental and geotech operations.
Paul Haywood, Director of Block Energy, said:
"The successful cementing of WR-38Z's seven inch casing is a significant step in the sidetracking of the Well. Our drilling of well WR-16aZ provided a wealth of data about the Field's subsurface that has allowed us to optimise the completion design of WR-38Z, knowledge we will be able to apply to all the West Rustavi wells we subsequently drill. We look forward to updating you on further progress at WR-38Z, WR-16aZ, and our work across the Field."
"We are also delighted to welcome Jim, Steve, Mamuka and Kevin to the Block team. They bring skill, versatility and deep industry experience that further strengthens our operations capability. Block Energy comprises a range of international talents dedicated to ensuring the success of our multi-well programme."