Onshore hydrocarbon exploration operator Rathlin Energy reported mixed results from drilling the onshore WNB-1 well in West Newton, East Yorkshire.
The company began drilling in October and reached a depth of 2,295 metres, aiming to encounter the primary and secondary objectives of the Kirkham Abbey and Cadeby formations.
Rathlin said that the Kirkham Abbey formation indicated “a hydrocarbon charge” based on wireline logs, cuttings and mud gas readings.
However the secondary target, the Cadeby formation, contained “insufficient reservoir development” at the location.
Rathlin has a 66.67% interest in the West Newton project (PEDL183), and Reabold Resources investment company has a 59% shareholding in Rathlin and a 16.665% direct licence share. Union Jack Oil holds a 16.665% interest in PEDL183.
The operator has now started the planned side-track drilling operation from the WNB-1 well, which is expected to take three weeks. West Newton B-1Z (WNB-1Z) will be drilled during the next few days.
This will appraise further the Kirkham Abbey formation at a structurally higher location, “targeting reservoir with characteristics anticipated to be similar to that at the West Newton A-2 location” said Reabold.
Reabold said it believed that the WNB-1Z location was suitable for a subsequent flow test.
The company added that the sidetrack would also provide an additional penetration into the Cadeby, which it believed was still a valid target.