HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cobalt International Energy, Inc. (“Cobalt”) (NYSE:CIE) confirmed today that it has successfully tested its previously announced Lontra #1 Pre-salt discovery well in Block 20, offshore Angola. During the recently completed drill stem test, the Lontra well produced at a stabilized flow rate of 2,500 barrels per day of condensate and 39 million cubic feet per day of gas. The flow rates were significantly restricted by the surface test facilities on the SSV Catarina drilling rig.
The Lontra #1 exploratory well was drilled to a total depth of 4,195 meters (13,763 feet) and penetrated approximately 75 meters (250 feet) of net pay in a very high quality reservoir section. The discovery well encountered both a high liquids content gas interval and an oil interval. The drill stem test was conducted in the high liquids content gas interval in order to acquire data on the flow capacity and fluid composition of this interval.
“We and our partners Sonangol P&P and BP are very pleased with the results of our Lontra #1 discovery,” said Joseph H. Bryant, Cobalt’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “While further appraisal drilling will be required to determine the ultimate size of the Lontra field, it is clear that Lontra is a discovery on a global scale. The exceptional reservoir system that we have discovered ranks among the best that we have seen. Although the field contains more gas than our pre-drill estimates, it is beneficial that Lontra is offshore near Luanda, where we believe there is a potentially large emerging market for gas. We and our partners as the Contractor Group have already begun discussions with the Concessionaire regarding the simultaneous commercialization of both the liquids and the gas discovered in Lontra for the benefit of both Angola and the Contractor Group.”
James W. Farnsworth, Cobalt’s Chief Exploration Officer added, “The results of the Lontra well are exceptional, with excellent quality reservoirs that are better than we had expected. Additionally, all of the data that we have collected suggests that the well’s deliverability far exceeds the drill stem test flow rates, which were limited by the surface test equipment. We have now drilled three exploration wells in the Kwanza Pre-salt basin and have made three discoveries. This excellent track record gives us increased confidence in the depth of our Angolan portfolio, the size and value of its potential and the likelihood of further large discoveries.”
Following the temporary abandonment of the Lontra #1 well, Cobalt has mobilized the Petroserv SSV Catarina rig to drill the Orca #1 Pre-salt exploratory well (formerly the Baleia Prospect), located approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Lontra in Block 20. Cobalt, as operator, owns a 40 percent working interest in both Lontra and Orca.
Partners in Block 20 are BP and Sonangol P&P, each with a 30 percent working interest.
Conference Call
A conference call for investors will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 6:30 a.m. Central Time (7:30 a.m. Eastern Time). Hosting the call will be Joseph H. Bryant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Van P. Whitfield, Chief Operating Officer and James W. Farnsworth, Chief Exploration Officer. Presentation materials associated with the conference call will be available prior to the conference call in the Investor Center-Publications & Presentations section of Cobalt’s website at www.cobaltintl.com.
The conference call can be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (877) 705-6003, or for international callers, (201) 493-6725. A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176, or for international callers, (858) 384-5517. The passcode for the replay is 13573180. The replay will be available until December 16, 2013.
About Cobalt
Cobalt is an independent exploration and production company active in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico and offshore Angola and Gabon. Cobalt was formed in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 — that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. In this context, forward-looking statements often address Cobalt’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “will” or other similar words. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties, individuals should refer to Cobalt’s SEC filings. Cobalt undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release, other than as required by law. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
