POSCO International has suspended wildcat Mahar 1 in block A-3, offshore Rakhine Basin, around early December 2019. The well has been drilled to a TD of approximately 1,960 m, using the "Maersk Viking" D/S. Preliminary results have not been reported, and operations on the well may continue at a later date for testing. Meanwhile, the rig has been mobilized to drill exploration well Kissapanadi 1 in the same block, approximately 17 km northeast of Mahar 1.  Mahar 1 was spudded in late November 2019 and is part of a three-well drilling plan (plus one optional well). The firm drilling programme is scheduled to last until April 2020 for a total duration of approximately 155 days.  Mahar 1 is situated at a water depth of approximately 1,100 m, targeting biogenic gas in the proven Pliocene turbidite play. The structure, located about 20 km southwest of the Mya South production facilities, was initially defined by the operator as "Prospect G". The other wells in the programme are Yan Aung Myin 1 (formerly "Prospect A-South") and Kissapanadi 1 ("Mya Channel Fill").  The exploration campaign is aimed at finding additional gas resources for the Shwe Gas Project. The operator is planning to complete Phase II and Phase III of the project between 2022 and 2024, in order to maintain gas sales volume of 500 MMcf/d.  Maersk reported that the drilling contract is valued approximately USD 33 million, including mobilization fee.  The last exploration activity in the block was a 1,900 sq km 3D seismic survey covering 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.  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%).  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.
Mahar 1 nfw. (Posco 51% op , ONGC Videsh 17%, MOGE 15%, Gail 8,5%, Kogas 8,5%), 1st of 3 wells planned in ex-prospect G in Andaman Sea block A-3, WD=1100m, ops. concluded at TD ca. 1950m, results n/a, target gas in Pliocene turbidites,. 