Moth comes up trumps for Oilexco

Oilexco has hit pay in two zones at its Moth prospect exploration well in the UK Central North Sea. Oilexco said it had hit a significant dual zone oil and gas-condensate discovery in the 23/21-6z Moth discovery well, which was drilled to a total depth of 4,458 metres. Hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir sands with a thickness of 186 metres were intersected in the Middle Jurassic Pentland and a further 67 metres were intersected in the Upper Jurassic Fulmar. Oilexco said that although initial indications are encouraging, the company has decided not to continue with the testing process of the Pentland sands at this time. Further testing will likely occur during the course of additional appraisal drilling in the future. Preparations for drill-stem testing of the primary target, the Upper Jurassic Fulmar interval, are set to begin immediately after the suspension of the Middle Jurassic Pentland zone. The partners will then put together a forward programme for the development of the discovery.