Premier: Catcher East sidetrack finds oily sandstones

Premier Oil’s Catcher East (28/9-1Z) sidetrack well in the UK Central North Sea has encountered oil-bearing sandstones. The well was drilled to 5,931 ft MD, and no oil water contact was encountered. Initial pressure data indicate a common pressure regime between Catcher East and the earlier Catcher discovery, suggesting that they are likely part of a single accumulation.

Initial analysis indicates 82 ft of net hydrocarbon pay over a gross interval of over 236 ft. A core was taken in the main sand body, which recovered 44 ft of oil-bearing sand. Well logs indicate average porosity of approximately 34%.

An additional sidetrack (28/9-1 Catcher SW appraisal) will be drilled southwest of the earlier Catcher discovery well to assess additional reservoir sands not encountered in the original Catcher well.

The results of the drilling program will be integrated to determine development options for the Catcher discoveries.