Drilling has begun on the Sidi Moussa block offshore Morocco, said joint-venture partner Serica Energy PLC. The Noble Paul Romano semisubmersible spudded the SM-1 well on July 30 about 60 km offshore in 990 m of water. Operations are expected to be completed in 60-90 days.
The Sidi Moussa block covers more than 5,000 sq km offshore about 75 km southwest of Agadir. Prospective reservoirs are of Lower Tertiary, Upper and Lower Cretaceous, and Jurassic age at 2,000-4,000 m.
Serica holds a 5% interest in Sidi Mousa, with Genel Energy PLC holding 60% and operating the well. Genel acquired its interest in 2012 (OGJ Online, Aug. 23, 2012). Additional partners include San Leon Offshore Morocco BV and Longreach Oil & Gas Ltd.