The exploration target of the Alom-1 well on Block 9 was to prove hydrocarbons in stacked Pleistocene targets.

The objectives were found to be dry and the well will now be permanently plugged and abandoned.

Data has been collected and preliminary analysis indicates that the well encountered over 500 metres (m) of high-quality water bearing sands across multiple targets. This information will help Cairn calibrate the seismic data and geological models and is being integrated to improve Cairn’s understanding of the petroleum system offshore Mexico.

The well was drilled to a vertical depth of 2,056m below the sea surface and was terminated in the Pleistocene section. The well was drilled ~120 kilometres northwest of Villahermosa.

Alom-1 is Cairn’s first operated exploration well in Mexico, the licence was awarded in Round 2.1 in 2017. Cairn holds a 50% working interest (WI)* with JV partners Citla Energy (35% WI) and ENI (15%WI).*

Alom-1 was drilled by the Maersk Developer semi-submersible rig, which will now move to drill Cairn’s second operated well on Block 9, Bitol-1, which is expected to commence operations in November 2019.

Non-operated drilling activity is running in parallel on Blocks 7 and 10; the first ENI operated well, Saasken-1, has commenced operations on Block 10.