Petromanas Energy Inc. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc announced in a press release positive test results from the Shpirag-2 well in Block 2-3, which covers an area of 3,450 sq km (1,332 sq miles) onshore south-central Albania.

Testing operations commenced in mid-October following the arrival and rig-up of all necessary equipment. Following acid stimulation, the Shpirag-2 well flowed naturally for 24 hours. Following initial cleanup and shut-in, Petromanas conducted an extended, three-day test, according to the release.

During the extended test, the Shpirag-2 well flowed at rates of 1,500 boe/d to 2,200 boe/d, 800 b/d to 1,300 b/d of 35°API to 37°API oil, and 57 Mcm/d to 142 Mcm/d (2 MMcf/d to 5 MMcf/d) of gas through varying choke sizes at wellhead pressures ranging from 1,700 psi to more than 3,000 psi, according to the release. The gas-oil ratio was in the range of 71 cm/bbl to 79 cm/bbl (2,500 cf/bbl to 2,800 cf/bbl). Lower than expected levels of hydrogen sulfide were observed (5,000 ppm) and, following the initial test, there was a 0% water cut.

Following the three-day test, the well has been shut in for a 30-day period for pressure buildup, according to the release. Detailed analysis of the test results has started. The first appraisal well is planned at Shpiragu after completion of the Molisht-1 exploration well, which is currently drilling.

Shpirag-2 was drilled to a total depth of 5,553 m (18,219 ft) and tested 400 m (1,312 ft) of the target carbonate reservoir. Based on the previously drilled Shpirag-1 and the company’s current program at Shpirag-2, Petromanas and Shell believe they have identified in excess of 800 m (2,625 ft) of oil column in fractured carbonate reservoirs at the Shpiragu structure, according to the release.

Petromanas has a 25% working interest in Block 2-3 and is the operator. Shell holds the remaining 75% working interest.