In a statement sent to the editors of Téla Nón, the National Petroleum Agency reports on the start of drilling operations for the oil well designated JACA in the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Located in block 6, the Jaca well is the first to be drilled in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The National Petroleum Agency says that the Maersk Voyager drillship, which is carrying out the drilling, entered Sao Tome’s territorial areas on 24 April.
«The Portuguese navy patrol vessel Zaire, which is on a maritime training mission for the São Tomé and Príncipe coast guard, accompanied the Maersk Voyager drillship to the location of the Jaca well», says the National Petroleum Agency.
The drilling operation of the Jaca well started on the 25th of April. «The drilling campaign started on April 5, 2022 and operations are taking place within normal limits», guarantees the National Petroleum Agency.
In the statement, the National Petroleum Agency cites the statements of Luís Gamboa, the newly appointed director general.
«The beginning of the drilling and exploration of the Jaca well marks an important stage because it will allow, for the first time, the collection of more accurate information about our ZEE », said the general manager Luís Gamboa.
The JACA well in block 6 is being explored by the consortium made up of Galp, Shell and the National Petroleum Agency on behalf of the São Tomé State.
According to Luís Gamboa, the consortium’s priority is «is the safe execution of Jaca operations to achieve well objectives and collect quality data for its assessment», reinforced.
Searching for oil in the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe through the drilling of the JACA well will take about 3 months.
Abel Veiga
The reader has access to the full content of the National Petroleum Agency communiqué –
