AFX Europe (Focus): Royal Dutch/Shell finds 'light' oil in Gabon, West Africa: “Shell, the operator, and partner PanOcean Energy Corp are now considering further appraisal and development work on the field.” (ShellNews.net)

Oct 05, 2004

LONDON (AFX) - The Royal Dutch/Shell Group said it found "light" oil at an exploration well it drilled in Gabon, West Africa.

Analysis of the well, known as Awokou-1, had indicated a "29-metre oil column in the Gamba sandstone with no gas cap in the drilled formation," it said.

Shell, the operator, and partner PanOcean Energy Corp are now considering further appraisal and development work on the field.

A second well is to be drilled this month, Shell said.

Awokou-1 is located on the Koula prospect which is close to two oil producing fields -- Total/Shell's Avocette and PanOcean's Obangue.

Shell and PanOcean each have a 50 pct interest in the well.

mbe/lam