In late September 2018, TransGlobe Energy Corp (TransGlobe) abandoned the Sitra Northwest 12 exploration well in the Northwest Sitra block at a TD of 4,054 m. The well was spudded on 28 June 2018, using the âShams-2â land rig. It had a planned TD of 3,782 m and objectives in the Cenomania Bahariya and the Santonian Abu Roash formations and the Middle Jurassic Safa Member and the Lower Jurassic Ras Qattara formation.    TransGlobe operates the Northwest Sitra block with a 100% interest. The first exploration phase expires on 7 January 2019. The company will evaluate the data from the wells before deciding about entering the second exploration phase of three years with a commitment to drill two wells (USD 6 million) and relinquish 30% of the original block.     Background information    TransGlobe reported that it was awarded the Northwest Sitra block in the EGPC 2013 International Bid Round after the concession was signed and ratified on 8 January 2015.    The exploration period lasts for 7 years and is divided in two exploration phase each of 3.5 years long. Commitments of the first exploration phase are to acquire a 300 sq km 3D seismic survey and to drill two exploration wells. In case of a commercial discovery, the company has the right to apply for a 20-year development lease. Â     The 1,946 sq km block straddles over the Northern Egypt Basin, the Qattara Ridge and the Abu Gharadiq Basin, west of the companyâs South Ghazalat permit    In late March 2017, TransGlobe completed its 600 sq km 3D seismic survey over the Northwest Sitra block. The data acquisition started in late January 2017, after the completion of mine clearance.
North West Sitra 12X (NWS 12X) (TransGlobe Energy 100%) in Northwest Sitra concession, has come up dry, targeting a stacked Cretaceous prospect, but no hydrocarbons were found.