Newly interpreted data from the Sunbird 1 exploration well drilled offshore Kenya has confirmed a gas column over an oil column, and the well is being regarded as a play-opener for the region.

According to Pancontinental Oil and Gas, the Sunbird 1 well drilled in license L10A offshore Kenya has major implications for further exploration offshore East Africa after the well encountered a 29.6 m (97 ft) gas column over a 14 m (45.92 ft) oil column.

BG Group operated the L10A license area where the Sunbird 1 well was drilled in March. Partner Pancontinental says it has taken until now to interpret well results because data obtained from the hole was complicated by the loss of drilling mud, seawater and remedial cement pumped into a limestone reservoir during drilling.

Net hydrocarbons have been measured at 9.2 m (30.17 ft) for the oil zone and 28.3 m (92.82 ft) for the gas zone, Pancontinental said in a news release, which declared the find as a play opener for the East African offshore region.
The L10 A consortium comprises BG, operator, with 50%, PTTEP with 31.25% and Pancontinental holds 18.75%