AIM-listed United Oil & Gas has announced the commencement of Stage 1 of its planned Surface Geochemical Exploration ('SGE') programme on the Walton Morant Licence, offshore Jamaica, with Multibeam Echosounder ('MBES') operations now underway.
Highlights
- Stage 1 MBES operations commenced on the Walton Morant Licence, offshore Jamaica
- High-resolution seabed imaging underway to refine targets for subsequent heat flow measurements (Stage 2) and piston coring (Stage 3)
- Staged SGE programme designed to deliver progressive updates as operations advance
- Initial geochemical results from the piston coring are expected to begin returning from approximately one month after completion of the offshore survey
- Programme designed to confirm the presence of a working offshore petroleum system and support ongoing farm-out discussions
Operations are being conducted using the R/V Gyre, operated by TDI Brooks International. Stage 1 of the SGE programme comprises a high-resolution MBES survey, which will provide high-resolution seabed mapping and depth information across priority areas of the licence.
The Stage 2 heat flow measurements will proceed after completion of the MBES. Concurrently, the MBES data will be reviewed and used to refine and confirm the final locations for Stage 3 piston coring, ahead of core acquisition.
Upon completion and review of the Stage 1 MBES data acquisition, the Company expects to provide an update to the market summarising the key observations from the survey and outlining the commencement of Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the operations.
The offshore SGE operations are currently expected to be completed by mid-February, following which piston core samples recovered during Stage 3 will be shipped to TDI Brooks' laboratory in the United States for detailed geochemical analysis. The initial results are expected to begin returning from approximately one month post completion of the offshore survey.
R/V Gyre Survey Vessel
The R/V Gyre is a multi-purpose geophysical survey vessel operated by TDI Brooks International. The vessel is equipped for high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) surveys and offshore geoscientific data acquisition.
(Image Courtesy TDI Brooks International)
Surface Geochemical Exploration Programme
The SGE programme is designed to test for the presence of thermogenic hydrocarbons in seabed sediments at certain locations within the Walton Morant Licence area. The scope and design of the SGE programme have been informed by engagement with potential industry partners and feedback received during data room discussions, with the objective of further strengthening and validating the existing technical interpretation of the licence.
Positive results, where thermogenic hydrocarbons are identified geochemical analysis of piston cores, would provide confirmation of the presence of a working petroleum system offshore and materially de-risk the prospectivity identified to date. This would further support UOG's technical evaluation and ongoing farm-out discussions.
Brian Larkin, CEO of United Oil & Gas, commented:
'The commencement of MBES operations on the Walton Morant Licence marks an important step forward in offshore Jamaica. This initial phase will refine seabed imaging and allow us to precisely target subsequent piston coring locations.
The data and samples gathered during this programme are intended to provide confirmation of a working petroleum system offshore and materially de-risk the prospectivity identified to date. This is a key part of our strategy to continue to technically de-risk this exciting exploration licence and progress the project toward a potential farm-out, and we look forward to updating the market after completion of Stage 1 and Stage 3, and as initial results begin to emerge.'
Source: United Oil & Gas
