POSCO International reported on 17 February 2020 that wildcat Kissapanadi 1 in Block A-3, located in offshore Rakhine Basin, is being assessed for drilling results. The well was likely plugged and abandoned in late December 2019. The operator acquired logs while drilling from 2,200 m to 3,500 m and subsequently plugged the well at a depth of approximately 3,000 m.   Kissapanadi 1 was spudded in early December 2019 using the "Maersk Viking" D/S, at a water depth of approximately 700 m. The well likely targeted biogenic gas in a Pliocene turbidite channel fill in the vicinity of the producing Mya field.  The well is part of a three-well exploration drilling campaign in the block, also including Mahar 1 and Yan Aung Myin 1. The prospects are located at water depths ranging from 700 m to 1,500 m, targeting the proven Pliocene turbidite play in the area. The drilling contract also includes one optional well. Total duration of the campaign (excluding the option) is estimated at approximately 155 days.  The Mahar 1 well was announced by POSCO as a gas discovery, with a test rate of approximately 38 MMcf/d. The third well in the campaign, Yan Aung Myin 1, is expected to be spudded around March 2020.   POSCO is planning to appraise Mahar 1 and any other additional discoveries in the campaign with two to three wells, starting from 2021. The new resources could be developed to extend production plateau of the Shwe Gas Project.  The rig tender for the A-3 exploration campaign was closed in mid-December 2018. Maersk reported that the drilling contract is valued at USD 33 million including mobilization fee. The "Maersk Viking" departed from its previous area of operations outside the region in mid-September 2019.  POSCO's planned investment for the campaign has been reported at approximately USD 94 million.  Block A-3 is operated by POSCO International with 51% interest alongside partners ONGC Videsh (17%), MOGE (15%), Gail (India) (8.5%) and Kogas (8.5%).  The previous exploration activity in the block was a 1,900 sq km 3D seismic survey, covers both blocks A-1 and A-3. The survey was likely completed around early March 2015, using PGSâs âRamform Titanâ survey vessel. The survey commenced on 27 January 2015 with the first part of acquisition in block A-1, followed by block A-3.   Background Information  The 6,779 sq km block was awarded to Daewoo (100%) in February 2004. OVL and Daewoo had applied separately for the block, both seeking a 100% equity. Block A-3 lies adjacent and south of Block A-1, where operator Daewoo made a gas discovery with the sidetrack of its first wildcat Shwe 1, marking the first discovery in Myanmar waters in the Rakhine Basin. The well, drilled from November 2003 to January 2004, flowed 32 MMcfg/d from Lower Pliocene basin floor fan sandstones upon testing.   On 1 November 2004 Daewoo entered into the exploration phase of the block by paying an agreed signature bonus of US$ 2.5 million. Subsequently, during February-April 2005, the company acquired 7,797 line km of 2D seismic over the block at an estimated cost of US$ 2.2 million. Interpretation of the new seismic data has led to the identification of undisclosed number of prospects including Mya (Emerald).   On 3 October 2005, Daewoo finalised a deal with ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) and Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) to acquire stakes of 20%, 10% and 10%, respectively in Block A-3. The two Indian state firms, OVL and GAIL, paid premiums of US$ 2.88 million and US$ 1.44 million, respectively. It followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 5 October 2004 to finalise the farm-in agreement, where a combined 30% equity was offered to the two Indian firms against their request for 50% equity.    Daewoo drilled four exploration wildcats in the block and discovered the Mya field in 2005. In 2007, two appraisal wells were drilled, Mya 2 and Mya 3, and successfully appraised gas. Three wildcats, Mya West 1, Kyauk-Seine 1 and Thandar 1, were drilled between 2007 and 2008 but did not have favorable results.   In January 2008, the operator completed a 1,006 sq km 3D seismic survey using CGGVeritasâs âCGG Harmatanâ survey vessel.
Block A-3 - Kissapanadi 1, results under evaluationPakistan, Nashpa D&PL