Operations in Africa
Firstdrill has the logistical experience required to successfully set up a base and run operations smoothly in remote areas, this has served Firstdrill well on a number of projects offshore West Africa. Notably Firstdrill has completed operations in Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. Firstdrill also has ongoing projects in Nigeria and is actively pursuing work in other African countries both onshore and off.
In Namibia, Firstdrill has provided full project management and well engineering for two of the only three wells ever drilled, the most recent well being the deepwater exploration well, Kunene-1, in Block 1711. Firstdrill's total project management for the Kunene-1 well included well design and execution of the drilling program through to the final end of well reports. Firstdrill also acted on the client's behalf as the intermediary between the client and service companies to ensure efficient and successful operations. All pre-engineering was conducted by the Firstdrill team in addition to supporting operations and conducting contract and procurement services.
The Kunene-1 well was drilled to a depth in excess of 5,000 metres below sea level using the Deep Venture drillship in water depths of approximately 780 metres. This was the first exploration well on Block 1711 in deepwater and a remote location. Block 1711 is located in the Namibe Basin, off the northern coast of Namibia. The 8,931 sq km Block contains the Kunene and Hartmann prospects, along with a number of other prospects.
In Cote d’Ivoire Firstdrill undertook full project management for two turnkey wells for Devon Energy. Devon Energy were also the Operator in Ghana where Firstdrill oversaw the project management of a single well.
Several of Firstdrill's employees add to the company's experience in Africa with a lot of experience in the region, both onshore and offshore with experience of drilling in all water depths from Swap Barge to Ultra Deep Water and everything in between. Notable projects included planning and execution of the longest hole section drilled in Africa, casing to casing. The 3392m long 12 ¼ x 13 ½ inch section comprising a 2968m 85˚ tangent, was drilled in one run by a PDC bit and a Rotary Steerable, Logging While Drilling suit.
