Springfield E&P Confirms Commercial Viability of Ghana’s Deep-Water Afina Discovery
- Springfield’s Afina Well Test Demonstrates 12,000 BOEPD Flow Rate Potential
Ghana’s Springfield Exploration and Production is said to have achieved a significant milestone in its offshore operations after the company completed appraisal tests confirming substantial oil and gas potential in its Afina discovery. The results, according to the firm, mark a historic moment for African energy independence as Springfield becomes the first independent African company to operate and find hydrocarbons in deep-water assets.
The appraisal well test, conducted at the Afina-1x well offshore Ghana, Springfield says in a statement, demonstrated impressive flow rates that could position the company as a significant player in West Africa’s energy sector. The well, situated in 1,030 metres of water and drilled to a total depth of 4,085 meters, yielded flow rates of up to 4,500 barrels of oil per day from its primary Cenomanian sandstone reservoir.
More notably, a mini-drill stem test on the secondary Turonian sandstone indicated potential flow rates of up to 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, suggesting significant commercial viability. These results have bolstered confidence in the field’s development potential, particularly if horizontal wells are employed in future development phases.
Mr. Kevin Okyere, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield, expressed optimism about the results: “We are confident that a horizontal well or other well completion options that maximise reservoir exposure in the fields would deliver much higher production rates.” This assessment suggests the company might be able to achieve even better performance with optimised well designs.
The successful appraisal follows Springfield’s initial discovery in October 2019, which more than doubled the company’s contingent resources to 1.5 billion barrels and added almost one trillion cubic feet of gas to existing discoveries. The recent tests have provided valuable data about reservoir behavior, with pressure analysis indicating production-related depletion in the Cenomanian reservoir compared to 2019 levels, while Turonian pressures remained stable.
Some Industry analysts view this development as particularly significant for Africa’s energy sector. Springfield’s achievement as the first independent Ghanaian and African energy company to operate a deep-water asset successfully could pave the way for other African companies to take leading roles in the continent’s energy development.
Springfield operates the West Cape Three Points Block 2 in partnership with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and its exploration wing, GNPC EXPLORCO, demonstrating successful collaboration between private and state-owned enterprises.
The journey to this point has been lengthy. Springfield, incorporated in March 2008, began the process of acquiring the block in 2012, but it wasn’t until March 2016 that the Government of Ghana made the final award. This persistence appears to be paying off, with the company now positioned to make a substantial contribution to Ghana’s energy sector.
The technical aspects of the operation were equally impressive. The Afina-1x well encountered light oil with a gross thickness of 65 metres, including 50 metres of light net oil pay in high-quality Cenomanian sandstones. The secondary target, located at the structure’s edge, contained 10 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands with gas and condensate in Turonian age formations.
The operation, conducted using the Deepsea Bollsta rig, was completed safely and on schedule, with the rig released on November 22, 2024. This operational efficiency speaks to Springfield’s growing capabilities in managing complex offshore operations.
Looking ahead, the company appears well-positioned to move forward with commercial development, according to the statement. The pressure transient analysis from the tests has provided crucial data about reservoir behavior and connectivity, essential for planning future development phases.
The success of this appraisal program could have broader implications for Ghana’s energy sector. As the country seeks to expand its oil and gas production, the emergence of capable domestic operators like Springfield could accelerate development and increase local content in the industry.
For Africa’s energy sector as a whole, Springfield’s achievement represents a significant milestone. It demonstrates that African companies can successfully operate complex deep-water assets, potentially encouraging more African-led development of the continent’s vast hydrocarbon resources.
The company’s success could also influence how international oil companies approach partnerships in Africa, potentially leading to more collaborative arrangements that build local technical and operational capabilities.
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, Springfield’s achievement suggests that African companies can play an increasingly important role in developing the continent’s resources. The company’s success in managing complex deep-water operations while maintaining high safety and environmental standards sets a precedent for other African energy companies to follow.
