Located in the CI-103 block, the Paon-1X well was drilled to a total depth of about 16,700ft (5,090m), in water depths of about 7,195ft (2,193m).
Anadarko senior vice president Worldwide Exploration Bob Daniels said the Paon well marks the first deepwater discovery in the CI-103 block offshore Côte d’Ivoire and opens up an entirely new play for the country and its partnership.
"This discovery confirms the Upper Cretaceous fan system present in Ghana extends westward into Côte d’Ivoire and provides significant running room within the CI-103 block," Daniels said.
Anadarko holds a 40% working interest in the CI-103 block, and operator Tullow has 45% stake, while the Société Nationale d’Opérations Pétrolières de Côte d’Ivoire (Petroci) holds 15% working interest.
The partnership, however, is planning to suspend the Paon-1X well due the light oil discovery and could possibly use it for appraisal and development operations in future.
